Perceptual consciousness probably did not evolve for model-based planning.
John W Krakauer, Jake Quilty-Dunn
The Behavioral and brain sciences June 25, 2026 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x25102999 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Fleming and Michel's proposal that perceptual consciousness aids unconscious model-based planning is problematic because unconscious model-based planning probably does not exist, and proposes that perceptual consciousness serves a different function. |
Abstract
Fleming & Michel (F&M) argue that the function of perceptual consciousness is to aid unconscious model-based planning. Unfortunately, unconscious model-based planning probably does not exist. F&M therefore face a dilemma: either perceptual consciousness is for conscious model-based planning or it is for something else. We argue that it is for something else.