The Anna Karenina Theory of the Unconscious
Neuropsychoanalysis 2011 DOI: 10.1080/15294145.2011.10773656 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 25 |
| Key points | Argues that the Anna Karenina theory is true in that many components must function for consciousness, but false in that unconsciousness types depend on consciousness types. |
Abstract
The Anna Karenina theory says: all conscious states are alike; each unconscious state is unconscious in its own way. This paper argues that many components have to function properly to produce consciousness, but failure in any one of many different ones can yield an unconscious state in different ways. In that sense the Anna Karenina theory is true. But in another respect it is false: kinds of unconsciousness depend on kinds of consciousness.