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Single Idea 6626

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

Full Idea

There is 'phenomenal' consciousness, which is what is distinctive of qualitative states of experience, and 'apperceptive' consciousness, which is awareness of all of one's mental states, including beliefs and desires.

Gist of Idea

'Phenomenal' consciousness is of qualities; 'apperceptive' consciousness includes beliefs and desires

Source

E.J. Lowe (Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind [2000], Ch. 3)

Book Ref

Lowe,E.J.: 'Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind' [CUP 2000], p.61


A Reaction

I am not convinced that this distinction is sharp enough to be useful, though I approve of trying to analyse the components of consciousness. Is there 'intentional' consciousness? Desires, and even beliefs, can have qualities.


The 7 ideas with the same theme [different parts of a conscious mind]:

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