Paradox and cross purposes in recent work on consciousness.

Functionalists define consciousness by its role, while physicalists define it as the biological mechanism that performs that role. Global workspace theory aligns with functionalism, treating consciousness as a functional process. Physicalists, however, view consciousness as a biological phenomenon that implements global accessibility, meaning it is the physical brain's activity that realizes the functional role.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Functionalists about consciousness identify consciousness with a role; physicalists identify consciousness with an implementer of that role. The global workspace theory of consciousness fits the functionalist perspective, but the physicalist sees consciousness as a biological phenomenon that implements global accessibility.