What work does p-consciousness do?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the role of p-consciousness in the context of consciousness studies, particularly in relation to its potential causal impact on the physical world. Participants explore theoretical implications, the nature of subjective experience, and its relationship to action and causation, touching on concepts from quantum mechanics and the Theory of Natural Individuals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that p-consciousness must perform some work in the world, challenging the notion of it being merely epiphenomenal.
  • One participant suggests that p-consciousness could be essential for interpreting quantum measurements and interactions.
  • Another viewpoint posits that the cortical natural individual’s purpose is to modulate motor programming and integrate information, potentially linking p-consciousness to evolutionary advantages.
  • A participant questions the idea that p-consciousness could be a product of exergonic reactions, expressing skepticism about its implications and the specificity of experience to brain reactions.
  • There is a suggestion that consciousness may not have a functional role, with some arguing that all actions could be attributed to physical brain processes, raising questions about the necessity of consciousness in explaining behavior.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the nature and role of p-consciousness, with no consensus reached. Some support the idea of p-consciousness having a causal role, while others argue against its functional necessity.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of defining the role of p-consciousness and its relationship to physical processes, indicating that assumptions about consciousness and its functions remain unresolved.

  • #31
Canute said:
Not all evidence is scientific or even intrasubjective

Not intrasubjective? Mind reading?
 
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  • #32
selfAdjoint said:
Not intrasubjective? Mind reading?

Even if you can read minds, you're not going to satisfy the people that make these kinds of objections (I'm not referring to Canute, as he obviously agrees that no humans are zombies). They'll say you're reading the thoughts formed by a brain, but you have not proved the existence of any subjective experiencer of those thoughts. Don't forget how they stress that thinking and consciousness are not the same thing, nor is either proof of the existence of the other.
 
  • #33
selfAdjoint said:
Not intrasubjective? Mind reading?
I'm not sure what you're getting at here.
 

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