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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?
2526 | Philosophers regularly confuse failures of imagination with insights into necessity [Dennett] |
2524 | A language of thought doesn't explain content [Dennett] |
2523 | That every mammal has a mother is a secure reality, but without foundations [Dennett] |
2525 | Maybe language is crucial to consciousness [Dennett] |
2527 | Unconscious intentionality is the foundation of the mind [Dennett] |
2529 | Maybe there can be non-conscious concepts (e.g. in bees) [Dennett] |
2528 | Does consciousness need the concept of consciousness? [Dennett] |
2530 | Could a robot be made conscious just by software? [Dennett] |