Explanation and the Hard Problem

Author: Wright, Wayne

Source: Philosophical Studies, Volume 132, Number 2, January 2007 , pp. 301-330(30)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

This paper argues that the form of explanation at issue in the hard problem of consciousness is scientifically irrelevant, despite appearances to the contrary. In particular, it is argued that the `sense of understanding' that plays a critical role in the form of explanation implicated in the hard problem provides neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition on satisfactory scientific explanation. Considerations of the actual tools and methods available to scientists are used to make the case against it being a necessary condition, and work by J.D. Trout that exploits psychological research on the hindsight and overconfidence biases is used to show that it is not a sufficient condition. It is argued, however, that certain intellectual and moral concerns give us good reason to still try to meet the hard problem's explanatory challenge, despite its extrascientific nature.

Keywords: confirmation bias; consciousness; explanation; hard problem; hindsight; methodology; overconfidence; statistical analysis

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11098-005-2220-x

Affiliations: 1: Email: wright@mindstuff.net

Publication date: 2007-01-01