The correlation/constitution distinction problem
-
Steven M. Miller
Abstract
The science of consciousness is founded on identifying the minimally sufficient neural correlates of consciousness. However, I have argued that science really seeks identification of the neural constitution of consciousness, and that there are no empirical strategies for distinguishing the correlates and constitution of consciousness. Here I review this correlation/constitution distinction problem, drawing on recording, inhibition, stimulation and combined inhibition/stimulation approaches. I propose the Jenga analogy to explain why the minimally sufficient neural correlates of consciousness should not be considered the ultimate target of consciousness science. I then show how combined inhibition/stimulation strategies might identify some constitutive neural activities but not the whole constitution of consciousness. Clarifications, objections and related issues are also discussed and I propose new foundational claims for consciousness science.
Abstract
The science of consciousness is founded on identifying the minimally sufficient neural correlates of consciousness. However, I have argued that science really seeks identification of the neural constitution of consciousness, and that there are no empirical strategies for distinguishing the correlates and constitution of consciousness. Here I review this correlation/constitution distinction problem, drawing on recording, inhibition, stimulation and combined inhibition/stimulation approaches. I propose the Jenga analogy to explain why the minimally sufficient neural correlates of consciousness should not be considered the ultimate target of consciousness science. I then show how combined inhibition/stimulation strategies might identify some constitutive neural activities but not the whole constitution of consciousness. Clarifications, objections and related issues are also discussed and I propose new foundational claims for consciousness science.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgments vii
- The constitution of visual and phenomenal consciousness 1
-
The scientific study of consciousness
- Theories and methods in the scientific study of consciousness 17
- The scientific study of coma and related states 48
- De-confounding the neural constitution of phenomenal consciousness from attention, report and memory 81
- The correlation/constitution distinction problem 104
- The neural correlates of consciousness 155
- On the various neural correlates of consciousness 177
- On why the unconscious prerequisites and consequences of consciousness might derail us from unraveling the neural correlates of consciousness 205
- The neuroevolutionary sources of mind 226
- The future of consciousness science 260
-
Philosophy of mind
- The philosophy of phenomenal consciousness 273
- The philosophy of mind needs a better metaphysics 293
- The scientific evidence for materialism about pains 310
- The status of consciousness in nature 330
- Identity over time, constitution and the problem of personal identity 348
- Constitution, realization and identity 372
- Correlation, causation, constitution 400
- The material constitution of phenomenal consciousness 418
- Material constitution, the neuroscience of consciousness, and the temporality of experience 433
- The structure of phenomenal consciousness 445
- Index 465
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgments vii
- The constitution of visual and phenomenal consciousness 1
-
The scientific study of consciousness
- Theories and methods in the scientific study of consciousness 17
- The scientific study of coma and related states 48
- De-confounding the neural constitution of phenomenal consciousness from attention, report and memory 81
- The correlation/constitution distinction problem 104
- The neural correlates of consciousness 155
- On the various neural correlates of consciousness 177
- On why the unconscious prerequisites and consequences of consciousness might derail us from unraveling the neural correlates of consciousness 205
- The neuroevolutionary sources of mind 226
- The future of consciousness science 260
-
Philosophy of mind
- The philosophy of phenomenal consciousness 273
- The philosophy of mind needs a better metaphysics 293
- The scientific evidence for materialism about pains 310
- The status of consciousness in nature 330
- Identity over time, constitution and the problem of personal identity 348
- Constitution, realization and identity 372
- Correlation, causation, constitution 400
- The material constitution of phenomenal consciousness 418
- Material constitution, the neuroscience of consciousness, and the temporality of experience 433
- The structure of phenomenal consciousness 445
- Index 465
