Single Idea 2528

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 1. Consciousness / a. Consciousness]

Full Idea

You can't have consciousness until you have the concept of consciousness.

Gist of Idea

Does consciousness need the concept of consciousness?

Source

Daniel C. Dennett (Brainchildren [1998], Ch.6)

Book Reference

Dennett,Daniel C.: 'Brainchildren' [Penguin 1998], p.128


A Reaction

If you read enough Dennett this begins to sound vaguely plausible, but next day it sounds like an absurd claim. 'You can't see a tree until you have the concept of a tree?' When do children acquire the concept of consciousness? Are apes non-conscious?