Consciousness as Representing One's Mind
July 1, 2025
Richard Brown
Abstract Understanding consciousness has presented a long-standing challenge to the science of the mind. There are many interesting phenomena, unanswered questions, and challenging methodological puzzles in the scientific study of consciousness. As a result, there are many avenues for research in consciousness science. At the core of them all is phenomenal consciousness. The author will argue...
Consciousness as Representing One's Mind
July 1, 2025
Richard Brown
Abstract We have now set out the HOROR theory as the author sees it and given some indication of the empirical status of the theory. Overall, the author thinks it is safe to say that it is so far consistent with what we know, hasn’t been falsified, but also hasn’t passed any major empirical hurdles directed directly against it. Though, as we also saw, there are some in the works as the author...
Consciousness as Representing One's Mind
July 1, 2025
Richard Brown
Abstract In the next three chapters the author will develop the Higher-Order Representation of a Representation, or HOROR, theory of phenomenal consciousness. In this chapter, the author discuss issues about higher-order representationalism and HOROR at a very general level. In Chapter 3, the author focuses on the content that the author takes the HORORs to have in more detail. In Chapter 4,...
Consciousness as Representing One's Mind
July 1, 2025
Richard Brown
Abstract In section 4.1, the author argues that the only reasons to take a theory of consciousness seriously are empirical. In section 4.2, the author examines the question of how we should map our psychological states to neural states. In section 4.2.1, the author examines the relation of HOROR theory to the prefrontal cortices. In section 4.2.2, the author does the same with respect to the...
Consciousness as Representing One's Mind
July 1, 2025
Richard Brown
Abstract While not exactly higher-order theories in the sense invoked here (i.e., in the sense of attempting to explain phenomenal consciousness), it is helpful to start with views that invoke acquaintance before turning to specific versions of relational higher-order theories. In section 7.1, the author begins by discussing a related view that appeals to acquaintance and non-physical qualia....
Consciousness as Representing One's Mind
July 1, 2025
Richard Brown
Abstract In this chapter, the author will argue that the purely non-relational versions of the traditional approach have a problem specifying which of one’s various mental states is the state-conscious state. Since non-relational higher-order theories are traditional in the sense that they aim to give an account of state-consciousness, this puts the theory in some hot water. Mixed...