http://cogprints.org/6765/
Is Phenomenal Consciousness a Complex Structure?
Evolutionary explanations of psychological phenomena have become widespread. This paper examines a recent attempt by Nichols and Grantham (2000) to circumvent the problem of epiphenomenalism in establishing the selective status of consciousness. Nichols and Grantham (2000) argue that a case can be made for the view that consciousness is an adaptation based on its complexity. I set out this argument and argue that it fails to establish that phenomenal consciousness is a complex system. It is suggested that the goal of establishing consciousness as an adaptation may be better served by rejecting the distinction between access consciousness and phenomenal consciousness.
Stieg, Chuck
Philosophy of Mind
Epistemology
Philosophy of Science
Cognitive Psychology
Metaphysics
Evolutionary Psychology
Chuck
Stieg