Nonconceptual Self-Consciousness And Cognitive Science

Author: Bermúdez J.l.¹

Source: Synthese, Volume 129, Number 1, October 2001 , pp. 129-149(21)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

This paper explores some of the areas where neuroscientific and philosophical issues intersect in the study of self-consciousness. Taking as point of departure a paradox (the paradox of self-consciousness) that appears to block philosophical elucidation of self-consciousness, the paper illustrates how the highly conceptual forms of self-consciousness emerge from a rich foundation of nonconceptual forms of self-awareness. Attention is paid in particular to the primitive forms of nonconceptual self-consciousness manifested in visual perception, somatic proprioception, spatial reasoning and interpersonal psychological interactions. The study of these primitive forms of self-consciousness is an interdisciplinary enterprise and the paper considers a range of points of contact where philosophical work can illuminate work in the cognitive sciences, and vice versa.

Language: English

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: Department of Philosophy University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA U.K.

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