Underwhelming force: Evaluating the neuropsychological evidence for higher‐order theories of consciousness

Mind and Language 37 (5):790-813 (2021)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

Proponents of the higher‐order (HO) theory of consciousness (e.g., Lau and Rosenthal) have recently appealed to brain lesion evidence to support their thesis that mental states are conscious when and only when represented by other mental states. This article argues that this evidence fails to support HO theory, doing this by first determining what kinds of conscious deficit should result when HO state‐producing areas are damaged, then arguing that these kinds of deficit do not occur in the studies to which HO theorists appeal. The article also develops an apparatus that can be used to evaluate whether other lesion evidence confirms or disconfirms HO theory.

Author's Profile

Benjamin Kozuch
University of Alabama

Analytics

Added to PP
2022-05-06

Downloads
341 (#64,929)

6 months
171 (#19,210)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?