Single Idea 4929

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 4. Intentionality / a. Nature of intentionality]

Full Idea

Dreaming and imagery are striking phenomenological demonstrations that the adult brain can spontaneously and intrinsically produce consciousness and meaning without any direct input from the periphery.

Gist of Idea

Dreams and imagery show the brain can generate awareness and meaning without input

Source

G Edelman / G Tononi (Consciousness: matter becomes imagination [2000], Ch.11)

Book Reference

Edelman,G/Tononi,G: 'Consciousness: how matter becomes imagination' [Penguin 2000], p.136


A Reaction

This offers some support for Searle's claim that brain's produce 'intrinsic' (rather than 'derived') intentionality. Of course, one can have a Humean impressions/ideas theory about how the raw material got there. We SEE meaning in our experiences.