Panpsychism and the Depsychologization of Consciousness
Supplementary volume - Aristotelian Society July 1, 2021 Keith Frankish
The problem of consciousness arises when it is conceptualized in terms of phenomenal feel rather than psychological function. Panpsychism offers an elegant solution by taking this depsychologization seriously, but it also illustrates its perils. Beyond one dead end highlighted by Nagasawa, panpsychism consigns consciousness to a metaphysical limbo beyond science and lacking ethical and personal significance. The argument suggests retracing steps and questioning the depsychologized conception itself.