Conscious vision and the perils of Cartesian materialism.
The Behavioral and brain sciences June 25, 2026 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x25103014 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe author challenges three common assumptions about consciousness: that it has functions separate from the brain processes it depends on, that it occurs at a specific moment, and that it can be measured directly. These assumptions, the author argues, lead to a flawed Cartesian materialism and unanswerable questions about when and why consciousness evolved. An alternative perspective is offered, though the text does not describe it.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that assumptions about consciousness having distinct functions, a moment of occurrence, and measurability lead to Cartesian materialism and unanswerable questions, and proposes an alternative view. |
Abstract
The authors make common assumptions that I reject: that consciousness has functions distinct from those of the brain processes on which it depends, that there is a moment at which consciousness happens, and that consciousness itself can be measured. This leads to Cartesian materialism and asking such unanswerable questions as when and why consciousness evolved. An alternative view is proposed.