Perceptual consciousness probably did not evolve for model-based planning.
The Behavioral and brain sciences June 25, 2026 John W Krakauer, Jake Quilty-Dunn
Fleming & Michel (F&M) argue that the function of perceptual consciousness is to aid unconscious model-based planning. Unfortunately, unconscious model-based planning probably does not exist. F&M therefore face a dilemma: either perceptual consciousness is for conscious model-based planning or it is for something else. We argue that it is for something else.