Theories of consciousness are solutions in need of problems.
Cognitive Neuroscience 2021 DOI: 10.1080/17588928.2020.1841744 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Computation Consciousness Social function |
| Key points | Argues that theories of consciousness should be constrained not only by empirical data, as Doerig et al. propose, but also by the potential functions of conscious contents, and suggests that one such function in humans is the social sharing of reportable mental states, providing a framework for understanding the evolution and neurobiology of conscious awareness. |
Abstract
Doerig et al. point out a number of shortcomings with existing theories of consciousness and argue they should be systematically constrained by empirical data. In this commentary I suggest a further constraint - the potential functions of (the contents of) consciousness. One such candidate function in humans is the social sharing of reportable mental states. The social function of consciousnessprovides a general framework within which to understand the evolution and neurobiology of conscious awareness.