How Matter Becomes Conscious A Naturalistic Theory of the Mind
This innovative book proposes a unique and original perspective on the nature of the mind and how phenomenal consciousness may arise in a physical world. From simple sentient organisms to complex self-reflective systems, Faye argues for a naturalistic-evo
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A Naturalistic Theory of the Mind
Jan Faye
How Matter Becomes Conscious
Jan Faye
How Matter Becomes Conscious A Naturalistic Theory of the Mind
Jan Faye Department of Media, Cognition and Communication University of Copenhagen, Philosophy Copenhagen, Denmark
ISBN 978-3-030-16137-8 ISBN 978-3-030-16138-5 (eBook) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16138-5 Library of Congress Control Number: 2019935564 © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are solely and exclusively licensed by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Cover illustration: Science Photo Library/Alamy Stock Photo This Palgrave Macmillan imprint is published by the registered company Springer Nature Switzerland AG The registered company address is: Gewerbestrasse 11, 6330 Cham, Switzerland
Acknowledgements
I wish to express my gratitude to Mauro Dorato, Oliver Kauffmann, and Asger Kirkeby-Hinrup with whom I have debated consciousness over the years. I also wish to express my thanks to my former students whose thirst for insight gave me an opportunity to do my best in explaining a spectrum of issues within the philosophy of mind. In particular, I want to ackowledge Liv Maria Roadottir and Geir Grimholdt for fruitful discussions. As a non-native speaker of English, I have as usual benefitted greatly from Henry Folse’s comments and assistance to bring my manuscript into a readable shape. Finally, I wish to thank an anonymous reader and my publisher, Brendan George, for their confidence in this work.
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Contents
1 Flipping the Debate 1 1.1 Consciousness and Evolution 3 1.2 Non-reductive Naturalism 8 1.3 The Externalist Thesis 19 2 Our Animal Mind 29 2.1 Mind and Consciousness 30 2.2 Sentient Creatures 35 2.3 The Thinking Animal 41 2.4 The Self-Reflective Animal 55 3 Subjectivity in a Biological Perspective 69 3.1 What It Is
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