The Higher-Order Map Theory of Consciousness
Australasian Journal of Philosophy February 2, 2021 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1080/00048402.2020.1861038 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
A challenge is raised for Higher-Order Thought theories of consciousness: they struggle to explain the distinctive 'presentational' character of visual experience. A new version, the Map Theory, is proposed, claiming that higher-order representations use a cartographic format to account for this phenomenal character.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | The Map Theory of consciousness, which posits a cartographic format for higher-order representations, can account for the presentational character of visual experience that challenges standard Higher-Order Thought theories. |
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Abstract
ABSTRACT I begin by developing a challenge for the Higher-Order Thought variant of Higher-Order representational theories of consciousness. The challenge is to account for the distinctive phenomenal character of visual experience—its presentational character. After setting out the challenge, I articulate a novel form of Higher-Order theory that can account for presentational character—the Map Theory of consciousness. The theory’s distinctive claim is that the relevant higher-order representations have a cartographic format.