What is mental representation? And how does it relate to consciousness?
Journal of Consciousness Studies 14 (1):37-61 (2007)
| Abstract | The relationship between mental representation and consciousness is considered. What it means to 'represent', and several types of representation (e.g., analogue, digital, spatial, linguistic, mathematical), are described. Concepts relevant to mental representation in general (e.g., multiple levels of processing, structure/process differences, mapping) and in specific domains (e.g., mental imagery, linguistic/propositional theories, production systems, connectionism, dynamics) are discussed. Similarities (e.g., using distinctions between different forms of representation to predict different forms of consciousness, parallels between digital architectures of the brain and connectionist models) and dissociations (e.g., insensitivity to gaps in subjective experience, explicit memory/implicit memory, automatic processing/controlled processing, blindsight, neglect, prediction/ explanation) of mental representation and consciousness are discussed. It is concluded that representational systems are separable from consciousness systems, and that mental representation appears necessary but not sufficient for consciousness. Considerations for future research on correspondences between representation and consciousness are suggested. | |||||||||
| Keywords | *Cognition *Cognitive Processes *Consciousness States | |||||||||
| Categories | ||||||||||
| Options |
|
|||||||||
Download options| PhilPapers Archive |
Upload a copy of this paper Check publisher's policy on self-archival Papers currently archived: 5,705 |
| External links |
 |
| Through your library | Configure |
Similar books and articlesGreg Janzen (2005). Self-Consciousness and Phenomenal Character. Dialogue 44 (4):707-733.
Dan Lloyd (1997). Consciousness and its Discontents. Communication and Cognition 30 (3-4):273-284.
Albert Newen & Kai Vogeley (2003). Self-Representation: Searching for a Neural Signature of Self-Consciousness. Consciousness and Cognition 12 (4):529-543.
Benj Hellie (2002). Consciousness and Representationalism. In L. Nadel (ed.), Encyclopedia of Cognitive Science. Macmillan.
Axel Cleeremans & Luis Jimenez (2002). Implicit Learning and Consciousness: A Graded, Dynamic Perspective. In Robert M. French & Axel Cleeremans (eds.), Implicit Learning and Consciousness: An Empirical. Psychology Press.
Gottfried Vosgerau (2009). Mental Representation and Self-Consciousness: From Basic Self-Representation to Self-Related Cognition. Dissertation, Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Andrew R. Bailey (2007). Representation and a Science of Consciousness. Journal of Consciousness Studies 14 (1):62-76.
Analytics
Monthly downloads |
Added to index2009-01-28Total downloads62 ( #15,152 of 549,130 )Recent downloads (6 months)4 ( #19,303 of 549,130 )How can I increase my downloads? |
My notes
Discussion
