No consciousness without continents.
Malcolm A MacIver, Daniel A Dombeck
The Behavioral and brain sciences June 25, 2026 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x25103038 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that consciousness arose because separating the real from the hypothetical, triggered by the generativity of land for possible futures, was essential for land animals' survival, but the account leaves conscious planning unexplained. |
Abstract
Consciousness arose through natural selection. Yet, few accounts suggest how it garnered selective benefit. Fleming & Michel provide a testable thesis: separating the real from the hypothetical, triggered by the profligate generativity of land for possible futures, is essential for a land animal to survive. Unexplained in the account is conscious planning, important for humans and perhaps other animals.