Single Idea 20374

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / A. Mind-Body Dualism / 6. Epiphenomenalism]

Full Idea

Everything of which we become conscious is a terminal phenomenon, an end - and causes nothing.

Gist of Idea

Consciousness is a terminal phenomenon, and causes nothing

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (The Will to Power (notebooks) [1888], §478)

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'The Will to Power', ed/tr. Kaufmann,W /Hollingdate,R [Vintage 1968], p.265


A Reaction

This appears to endorse epiphenomenalism - which I take to be an incoherent concept. How can becoming fully aware of something, rather than subliminally or subconsciously aware, make no difference at all? If it exists, it has causal powers.