Me, You, and the Measurement. Founding a Science of Consciousness on the Second Person Perspective
Phenomenology and Mind September 17, 2018 DOI: 10.13128/phe_mi-21118 (opens in new tab) via DOAJ
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe paper argues that the justification for using third-person mathematical methods to study consciousness, which is inherently subjective, may be found in a particular interpretation of the second-person perspective. It briefly outlines how Integrated Information Theory (IIT), a leading contemporary theory of consciousness, could align with this interpretation, suggesting a philosophical bridge between objective scientific frameworks and subjective experience.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Second-person perspective Integrated information theory Science of consciousness |
| Key finding | Argues that the justification for third-person methods in consciousness science can be found in a specific interpretation of the second-person perspective, and that IIT may fit with this interpretation. |
Abstract
Modern science was born when physicists started studying phenomena by recruiting mathematical explanatory frameworks. Since this appears to be the direction followed in recent studies on consciousness, philosophers have to analyze the justification of this third-person methods of explaining a phenomenon that is supposed to be entirely subjective. In this paper I argue that this kind of justification could be found in a certain interpretation of the second-person perspective and I briefly sketch how one of the most promising contemporary theory of consciousness (IIT) could fit with such an interpretation.