Identifying phenomenal consciousness.

Summary

The paper explores the idea that phenomenal consciousness might exist separately from access consciousness by suggesting that isomorphisms between phenomenal and neural activation spaces could provide evidence. It argues that using verbal reports to map phenomenal spaces does not hinder this methodology, as differing mapping methods do not preclude identification. The discussion concludes with considerations on how to collect data relevant to this theoretical question.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This paper examines the possibility of finding evidence that phenomenal consciousness is independent of access. The suggestion reviewed is that we should look for isomorphisms between phenomenal and neural activation spaces. It is argued that the fact that phenomenal spaces are mapped via verbal report is no problem for this methodology. The fact that activation and phenomenal space are mapped via different means does not mean that they cannot be identified. The paper finishes by examining how data addressing this theoretical question could be obtained.