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Single Idea 7367

[from 'Consciousness Explained' by Daniel C. Dennett, in 15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 1. Consciousness / a. Consciousness ]

Full Idea

Perhaps the brain doesn't actually have to go to the trouble of "filling in" anything with "construction" - for no one is looking.

Clarification

This refers to filling in things like the blindspot in our visual field

Gist of Idea

Perhaps the brain doesn't 'fill in' gaps in consciousness if no one is looking.

Source

Daniel C. Dennett (Consciousness Explained [1991], 5.4)

Book Reference

Dennett,Daniel C.: 'Consciousness Explained' [Penguin 1993], p.127


A Reaction

This a very nice point, because claims that the mind fills in in various psychological visual tests always has the presupposition of a person (or homunculus?) which is overseeing the visual experiences.