On changing one's mind: a possible function of consciousness

Abstract

This chapter aims to discuss the function of consciousness within a broad framework of cognitive science and phenomenology, and to relate these two approaches to each other. This chapter's treatment of the role of consciousness, while sharing the computational approach, is quite different. It proposes a tentative taxononomy, partly of the typical phenomenology and content of consciousness. The chapter distinguishes four aspects of consciousness, two involuntary and two voluntary. The latter are built on the former and serve the functions of developing plans and goals based on a model of the self. This chapter emphasizes the social construction of consciousness, providing persuasive illustrations. The bringing together of the domain of emotions with insights from the artificial intelligence metaphor is an exciting enterprise.