Phenomenal Consciousness as an Evolutionary Invention: Explaining the Positive Function of Illusionism
Filozofia February 15, 2024 DOI: 10.31577/filozofia.2024.79.2.6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Consciousness Humphrey Illusionism Illusion problem Phenomenal surrealism |
| Key points | Argues that explaining the function of the illusion of phenomenal consciousness is a key aspect of the illusion problem, and focuses on Nicholas Humphrey's theory of 'phenomenal surrealism' to address this. |
Abstract
The article’s main objective is to analyse the positive aspect of illusionism and the so-called “illusion problem” that lies at its heart – the problem of explaining the origin and causes of the illusion of phenomenal consciousness. I argue that a key aspect of the illusion problem is explaining the function of the illusion of phenomenal consciousness. Some authors suggest that the illusion probably has no particular function but is a by-product of introspection, whereas others have pointed out that it has played an important role in the evolution of consciousness. I focus on Nicholas Humphrey’s evolutionary theory of consciousness, “phenomenal surrealism,” in emphasizing this crucial part of the illusionist program.