The Traditional Higher-Order Approach to Consciousness
Consciousness as Representing One's Mind July 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780197784006.003.0006 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the HOROR theory, a non-traditional higher-order theory of consciousness, is so far consistent with existing evidence and unfalsified but has not yet faced major direct empirical tests. Contends that the traditional higher-order approach's way of framing the debate is not the most helpful, even if traditional views ultimately prove correct. |
Abstract
Abstract We have now set out the HOROR theory as the author sees it and given some indication of the empirical status of the theory. Overall, the author thinks it is safe to say that it is so far consistent with what we know, hasn’t been falsified, but also hasn’t passed any major empirical hurdles directed directly against it. Though, as we also saw, there are some in the works as the author writes this. Hopefully we will begin to see results soon. The authors has also been at pains to indicate that the HOROR theory is a non-traditional higher-order theory. The author officially splits their credence among various views and so do not take there to be any reason to strongly prefer non-traditional theories. The author does, however, think that no matter whether traditional views turn out ultimately to be correct, the way in which the traditional approach sets up the problem in the first place is not the best way to do so. In this chapter the author will try to set out what exactly the traditional higher-order approach is committed to, as well as the reasons why the author thinks that setting up the debate in these terms isn’t helpful.