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Full Idea
If you define qualia as intrinsic properties of experiences considered in isolation from all their causes and effects, logically independent of all dispositional properties, then they are logically guaranteed to elude all broad functional analysis.
Gist of Idea
Obviously there can't be a functional anaylsis of qualia if they are defined by intrinsic properties
Source
Daniel C. Dennett (Sweet Dreams [2005], Ch.8)
Book Ref
Dennett,Daniel C.: 'Sweet Dreams' [MIT 2005], p.177
A Reaction
This is a good point - it seems daft to reify qualia and imagine them dangling in mid-air with all their vibrant qualities - but that is a long way from saying there is nothing more to qualia than functional roles. Functions must be exlained too.
| 7654 | What matters about neuro-science is the discovery of the functional role of the chemistry [Dennett] |
| 7655 | The work done by the 'homunculus in the theatre' must be spread amongst non-conscious agencies [Dennett] |
| 7656 | I don't deny consciousness; it just isn't what people think it is [Dennett] |
| 7657 | Intelligent agents are composed of nested homunculi, of decreasing intelligence, ending in machines [Dennett] |
| 7658 | Obviously there can't be a functional anaylsis of qualia if they are defined by intrinsic properties [Dennett] |