Single Idea 2391

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 1. Consciousness / b. Essence of consciousness]

Full Idea

Consciousness is always accompanied by awareness, but awareness as I have described it need not be accompanied by consciousness.

Gist of Idea

Can we be aware but not conscious?

Source

David J.Chalmers (The Conscious Mind [1996], 1.1.5)

Book Reference

Chalmers,David J.: 'The Conscious Mind' [OUP 1997], p.28


A Reaction

One should consult Chalmers, but he is stretching the English word 'awareness' rather far. This road leads to saying that thermostats are 'aware', and information is aware of its content, which is probably very wrong indeed. Compare Idea 2415.

Related Idea

Idea 2415 In blindsight both qualia and intentionality are missing [Chalmers]