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 Reference
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?