Resolving the evolutionary paradox of consciousness
Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences April 1, 2024 Brendan P. Zietsch
Evolutionary fitness threats and rewards are associated with subjectively unpleasant and pleasant sensations, respectively. Initially, these correlations appear explainable via adaptation by natural selection. But here I analyse the major metaphysical perspectives on consciousness – physicalism, dualism, and panpsychism – and conclude that none help to understand the adaptive-seeming...