Higher-order thought and naturalist accounts of consciousness

Author: Schroder J.

Source: Journal of Consciousness Studies, Volume 8, Number 11, 2001 , pp. 27-46(20)

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Abstract:

This paper makes a comparison between naturalist and non-naturalist theories of consciousness with respect to their explanatory merits. It focuses on David Rosenthal's higher-order thought (HOT) theory, arguing that the motives for higher-order theories are based on a confusion of three distinct meanings of the term 'intrinsic'. The explanatory power of HOT theories is compared with that of an alternative nonrepresentational theory, offered as an example of a naturalistic account. The latter is found overall to have more virtues and less shortcomings that the higher-order theory.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Grunewaldstr. 12, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany.

Publication date: 2001-01-01