The correlation/constitution distinction problem
Advances in Consciousness Research June 17, 2015 DOI: 10.1075/aicr.92.05mil (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that consciousness science has no empirical strategies for distinguishing the neural correlates of consciousness from its neural constitution, and proposes the Jenga analogy to show why minimally sufficient neural correlates should not be the ultimate target. Contends that combined inhibition/stimulation strategies may identify some constitutive neural activities, but not the whole constitution of consciousness. |
Abstract
The science of consciousness is founded on identifying the minimally sufficient neural correlates of consciousness. However, I have argued that science really seeks identification of the neural constitution of consciousness, and that there are no empirical strategies for distinguishing the correlates and constitution of consciousness. Here I review this correlation/constitution distinction problem, drawing on recording, inhibition, stimulation and combined inhibition/stimulation approaches. I propose the Jenga analogy to explain why the minimally sufficient neural correlates of consciousness should not be considered the ultimate target of consciousness science. I then show how combined inhibition/stimulation strategies might identify some constitutive neural activities but not the whole constitution of consciousness. Clarifications, objections and related issues are also discussed and I propose new foundational claims for consciousness science.
Citations in the library
Cites 19
- On a confusion about a function of consciousness Behavioral and Brain Sciences June 1, 1995
- The Neural Correlates of Consciousness Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences March 1, 2008
- Distilling the neural correlates of consciousness Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews December 17, 2011
- Consciousness in humans and non-human animals: recent advances and future directions Frontiers in Psychology 2013
- The ‘correlates’ in neural correlates of consciousness Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews June 5, 2011
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