Phenomenal Consciousness as an Evolutionary Invention: Explaining the Positive Function of Illusionism

The article examines illusionism, the view that phenomenal consciousness is an illusion, and focuses on the "illusion problem"—explaining why the illusion of phenomenal consciousness arises. A key part of this problem is determining the function of the illusion. Some authors suggest it is a by-product of introspection with no particular function, while others argue it played an important role in the evolution of consciousness. The article emphasizes Nicholas Humphrey's evolutionary theory of consciousness, "phenomenal surrealism," to highlight this aspect of the illusionist program.

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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.