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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 Ref
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?
| 19438 | Our large perceptions and appetites are made up tiny unconscious fragments [Leibniz] |
| 21770 | Consciousness is both of objects, and of itself [Hegel] |
| 2525 | Maybe language is crucial to consciousness [Dennett] |
| 5001 | Maybe we should see intentionality and consciousness as a single problem, not two [Kirk,R] |
| 4917 | Consciousness involves awareness, perception, self-awareness, attention and reflection [Carter,R] |
| 6626 | 'Phenomenal' consciousness is of qualities; 'apperceptive' consciousness includes beliefs and desires [Lowe] |
| 4923 | The three essentials of conscious experience are privateness, unity and informativeness [Edelman/Tononi] |