The Ontology of the Unconscious

Abstract

This dissertation aims to investigate several questions: 1) Are unconscious phenomena mental phenomena?2) What is the nature of unconscious mentation?3) What is the ontology of unconscious mental states?4) Is there unity in the unconscious mind?5) What is the relationship between conscious and unconscious mental processes?6) In what sense are unconscious mental states intentional?After briefly introducing the many problems unconscious mentation poses for the philosophy of mind, in the second chapter, I propose the first main thesis: the ontology of unconscious mentation is pluralistic and independent from the ontology of consciousness.After providing a metaphysical taxonomy of various kinds of unconscious states and processes, I discuss the implications of the pluralistic ontology of unconscious states for theories of consciousness in this chapter.The third chapter is devoted to the properties of the unconscious mind as depicted by psychoanalytical and cognitive science literature and its properties and look after the sprouting seedlings in all the possible ways with an unswerving belief of their potential regardless of the uncertainties.If the end result is a cactus, that is entirely my doing, but his grounding presence supplied the earth, and elevating discussions, the light which allowed it to come to being.In that regard, I am also thankful to Dr Judit Szalai for all her teachings and for showing her belief in me in various ways, which made me remember what was possible when I had forgotten.Finally, I am indebted to Dr. Zoltán Jakab for his many insights and corrections, which not only led to substantial improvements of certain arguments in the dissertation but also changed my entire view on certain issues.I would also like to express my gratitude my uncle, Dr. Saffet Murat