Single Idea 2525

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 1. Consciousness / c. Parts of consciousness]

Full Idea

I continue to argue for a crucial role of natural language in generating the central features of consciousness.

Gist of Idea

Maybe language is crucial to consciousness

Source

Daniel C. Dennett (Brainchildren [1998], Ch.25)

Book Reference

Dennett,Daniel C.: 'Brainchildren' [Penguin 1998], p.364


A Reaction

'Central features' might beg the question. Dennett does doubt the consciousness of animals (1996). As I stare out of my window, his proposal seems deeply counterintuitive. How could language 'generate' consciousness? Would loss of language create zombies?