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 and Michel propose that perceptual consciousness helps with unconscious model-based planning, but unconscious model-based planning likely does not exist. This creates a dilemma: either perceptual consciousness aids conscious model-based planning or serves another purpose. The authors argue it serves another purpose.