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Stability is not intrinsic

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 1999

D. C. Dennett
Affiliation:
Center for Cognitive Studies, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02144 ddennett@tufts.educwestbur@emerald.tufts.edu www.tufts.edu/as/cogstud/mainpg.htm
C. F. Westbury
Affiliation:
Center for Cognitive Studies, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02144 ddennett@tufts.educwestbur@emerald.tufts.edu www.tufts.edu/as/cogstud/mainpg.htm

Abstract

A pure vehicle theory of the contents of consciousness is not possible. While it is true that hard-wired tacit representations are insufficient as content vehicles, not all tacit representations are hardwired. O'Brien & Opie's definition of stability for patterns of neural activation is not well-motivated and too simplistic. We disagree in particular with the assumption that stability in a network is purely intrinsic to that network. Many complex forms of stability in a network are apparent only when interpreted by something external to that network. The requirement for interpretation introduces a necessary functional element into the theory of the contents of consciousness, suggesting that a pure vehicle theory of those contents will not succeed.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
© 1999 Cambridge University Press

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