In theories with diffeomorphism symmetry, like general relativity and canonical quantum gravity, empirical content is often thought to reside in relational observables. This paper argues that explaining how such observables connect to experience requires a schematization of the observer suited to a diffeomorphism-invariant context. The author suggests moving from a 'passive awareness' conception of consciousness to a more agential one, because an embodied agent must experience herself as localized at a time. The paper then considers implications for using quantum reference frames to address the problem of time, arguing that standard quantum reference frames lack resources to model agency, so another kind of internal reference frame may be needed to fully explain observation of relational observables in the quantum context.
Constructionists argue that emotions arise from categorizing a basic phenomenal quality called core affect, shaped by prior experiences. Husserl's model of perception similarly describes perceptions emerging from apprehending phenomenal character, also shaped by prior experience. The two views are independent formulations of a single Construction Framework of the Mental (CFM), which treats most folk psychological categories as constructs built from more basic mental processes. Given the framework's consistency with recent neuroscience findings, competitive metaphysical positions, and its application in psychology and phenomenology, it should be considered a feasible research framework for understanding mental states.
Consciousness research faces challenges from diverse and conflicting theories. This paper argues that the common approach of searching for a single 'natural kind' of consciousness is insufficient. It proposes supplementing this with a structural realist framework, which shifts the focus from identifying one fundamental type to understanding invariant structural relationships shared across different theories. Using predictive processing as a formal framework to characterize these common patterns, the approach aims to integrate divergent accounts into a more unified and objective understanding of consciousness, guiding rather than replacing natural kind reasoning.