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Consciousness and Theory of Mind: a Common Theory?

Sebastián, Miguel Ángel (2016) Consciousness and Theory of Mind: a Common Theory? THEORIA. An International Journal for Theory, History and Foundations of Science, 31 (1). pp. 73-89. ISSN 2171-679X

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Abstract

Many philosophers and scientists have argued that the difference between phenomenally conscious states and other kind of states lies in the implicit self-awareness that conscious states have. Higher-Order Representationalist (HOR) theories, attempt to explain such a self-awareness by means of a higher-order representation. Consciousness relies on our capacity to represent our own mental states, consciousness depends on our Theory of Mind. Such an ability can, at least conceptually, be decomposed into another two: mindreading and metacognition.

In this paper I will argue that consciousness cannot depend on mindreading. The tenability of HOR theories depends, therefore, on the relation between mindreading and metacognition. I analyze several views on such a relation and argue that none of them seem to be a plausible option for HOR theories.


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Item Type: Published Article or Volume
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Sebastián, Miguel Ángelmsebastian@gmail.com
Additional Information: ISSN: 0495-4548 (print)
Keywords: Consciousness; Self-awareness; Higher-Order Theories; Theory of Mind; Mindreading; Metacognition
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science
Specific Sciences > Psychology
General Issues > Structure of Theories
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email theoria@ehu.es
Date Deposited: 08 Jun 2016 19:44
Last Modified: 08 Jun 2016 19:44
Item ID: 12173
Journal or Publication Title: THEORIA. An International Journal for Theory, History and Foundations of Science
Publisher: Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / Universidad del País Vasco
Official URL: http://www.ehu.eus/ojs/index.php/THEORIA/article/v...
DOI or Unique Handle: 10.1387/theoria.14091
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science
Specific Sciences > Psychology
General Issues > Structure of Theories
Date: January 2016
Page Range: pp. 73-89
Volume: 31
Number: 1
ISSN: 2171-679X
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/12173

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