When philosophical nuance matters: safeguarding consciousness research from restrictive assumptions
Marius Usher,
Niccolò Negro,
Hilla Jacobson
et al.
Abstract:In this paper, we revisit the debate surrounding the Unfolding Argument (UA) against causal structure theories of consciousness (as well as the hard-criteria research program it prescribes), using it as a platform for discussing theoretical and methodological issues in consciousness research. Causal structure theories assert that consciousness depends on a particular causal structure of the brain. Our claim is that some of the assumptions fueling the UA are not warranted, and therefore we should reject the met… Show more
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