Phenomenal Consciousness as an Evolutionary Invention: Explaining the Positive Function of Illusionism
Filozofia February 15, 2024 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.31577/filozofia.2024.79.2.6 via DOAJ
Summary
The article analyzes the positive aspects of illusionism and the 'illusion problem,' which concerns the origins and causes of the illusion of phenomenal consciousness. It discusses differing views on whether this illusion has a function or is merely a by-product, highlighting Nicholas Humphrey’s evolutionary theory of consciousness, known as 'phenomenal surrealism,' which emphasizes the importance of this illusion in the evolution of consciousness.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | The article emphasizes that the illusion of phenomenal consciousness may have played an important role in the evolution of consciousness, contrary to some views that it is just a by-product. |
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Abstract
The article’s main objective is to analyse the positive aspect of illusionism and the so-called “illusion problem” that lies at its heart – the problem of explaining the origin and causes of the illusion of phenomenal consciousness. I argue that a key aspect of the illusion problem is explaining the function of the illusion of phenomenal consciousness. Some authors suggest that the illusion probably has no particular function but is a by-product of introspection, whereas others have pointed out that it has played an important role in the evolution of consciousness. I focus on Nicholas Humphrey’s evolutionary theory of consciousness, “phenomenal surrealism,” in emphasizing this crucial part of the illusionist program.