What Good Is Consciousness?
In Consciousness we Trust February 10, 2022 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780198856771.003.0006 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that current evidence suggests consciousness may not be as useful as global theories suggest, with metacognition being one of the few specific functions to which consciousness contributes. |
Abstract
Abstract Most of us agree that consciousness emerged at some time through our evolutionary history. Many also find probable that it is a relatively recent invention; simple organisms like bacteria are presumably not conscious. However, evolution is a long and complex process. Consciousness could have evolved mostly as a byproduct or for reasons that we do not intuitively expect. So, what good is consciousness? To answer the question, we need new experimental methods, beyond subliminal priming. That is because subliminal priming tends to only show small effects, which are often difficult to replicate. And then logically, even if some functions can be exercised nonconsciously, it could be that consciousness is required for these functions to work at their full capacity. So we need methods that can give us strong nonconscious signals. With these methods, current evidence suggests that consciousness may not be as useful as global theories suggest. Metacognition may be one of the few specific functions to which consciousness contributes.