The Higher-Order Map Theory of Consciousness

A challenge is developed for Higher-Order Thought theories of consciousness: they fail to explain the presentational character of visual experience—the sense that objects are directly given to us. A novel alternative, the Map Theory of consciousness, is proposed, which holds that the higher-order representations responsible for conscious experience have a cartographic, map-like format, thereby accounting for presentational character.

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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.