Subjective Character as the Origo a Quo of Phenomenal Consciousness
Kyle Banick
Grazer Philosophische Studien June 17, 2021 DOI: 10.1163/18756735-00000133 (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 debate over whether subjective character is monadic or relational rests on a false dichotomy, and that the common objection to one-level, non-relational views stems from a category error. Proposes that subjective character can be a structured, intrinsic feature involved in the ontological constitution of mental acts, and should be conceived as the source of intentionality rather than the result of a prior intentional relation. |
Abstract
Abstract This article contributes to the debate on self-consciousness, inner awareness, and subjective character. Philosophers puzzle over whether subjective character has a monadic or a relational form. But the present article deploys formal ontology to show that this is a false dichotomy. From this vantage, a common objection to non-relational views is deflated. The common objection is that one-level, non-relational views are either unexplanatory or smuggle in resources from higher-order and/or relational views. The author uses an argument from formal ontology to suggest that such objections stem from a category error. The result is that first-order non-relational views need not lapse into higher order or relational views – subjective character can be a structured and intrinsic feature involved in the ontological constitution of mental acts. Ultimately, the author emphasizes the need to conceive of subjective character as the source of intentionality, and not the result of a prior intentional relation.