Phenomenal Concepts and the Explanatory Gap

Summary

The chapter discusses different philosophical reactions to the explanatory gap between physical processes and consciousness. While some deny the existence of a gap, others believe it will be resolved in the future or that it reflects an ontological gap in nature. A specific perspective explored is that the gap arises from our conceptual understanding of consciousness and physical processes, rather than from their actual relationship.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Philosophers have reacted in different ways to the apparent explanatory gap between physical processes and consciousness. Some deny that any explanatory gap exists at all. Some hold that there is an explanatory gap for now, but that it will eventually be closed. Some hold that the explanatory gap corresponds to an ontological gap in nature. This chapter explores another reaction to the explanatory gap — those who react in this way agree that there is an explanatory gap, but they hold that it stems from the way we think about consciousness. In particular, this view locates the gap in the relationship between our concepts of physical processes and our concepts of consciousness, rather than in the relationship between physical processes and consciousness themselves.