Richard Brown on higher order thought theories of consciousness
May 20, 2023
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Richard Brown, philosopher at the City University of New York, explores higher order thought theories of consciousness, including animal consciousness, emotions, and well-being. They discuss perceptual reality monitoring, neural functioning, and blindsight, as well as different camps in consciousness theories. The debate between identity theory and functionalism is also covered. Various theories of consciousness, the relationship between science and ethics, and a comprehensive understanding of well-being are explored. The significance of phenomenal subjective consciousness and breaking disciplinary silos are discussed.
Philosophy is a process of self-evaluation and exploration, recognizing the limits of one's knowledge and being open to different perspectives.
Different versions of higher order thought theories, such as higher order perception and inner sense, pose challenges in understanding and testing.
The higher order representation of a representation (HORRR) theory proposes that higher order states are representational states that represent one's own mental states and should be taken seriously and tested empirically.
The bridging of conceptual philosophical theories with empirical research in neuroscience, particularly in locating the neural correlates of higher order and first order states, remains challenging.
Emotions and higher order theories intersect in the recognition of personal danger as constituting fear, emphasizing the role of awareness in emotions.
Deep dives
Importance of Open-mindedness in Philosophy
The speaker emphasizes the challenge of breaking out of one's own conceptual structure to understand alternative philosophical theories. It is important to question one's own beliefs and consider other viewpoints. Philosophy is a process of self-evaluation and exploration, recognizing the limits of one's knowledge and being open to different perspectives.
Exploring Higher Order Thought Theories
The podcast episode features an interview with Richard Brown, a philosopher specializing in consciousness studies. He discusses his interest in consciousness and the higher order thought theories. Brown explains the different variants and interpretations of higher order theories, such as higher order perception, inner sense, and acquaintance theories. He highlights the challenges in understanding and testing these theories, calling for empirical investigations to explore cases of mismatch between first order states and higher order states.
The Role of Representational Higher Order Theory
Brown describes his own theoretical approach, which he calls the higher order representation of a representation (HORRR). He explains how this view emphasizes the idea that higher order states are representational states, similar to thoughts, that represent one's own mental states. Brown acknowledges that his theory might be considered strange or counterintuitive but argues that it should be taken seriously and tested empirically. He suggests conducting experiments to disassociate the activity of higher order states and first order states, aiming to find cases of mismatch that could differentiate between different versions of higher order theories.
Challenges in linking Philosophy and Empirical Work
The discussion highlights the ongoing challenges in bridging conceptual philosophical theories with empirical research in neuroscience. Brown points out that many theories, including higher order theories, were originally formulated by philosophers without a strong focus on the brain. This leads to difficulties in clearly defining and locating the neural correlates for higher order and first order states. Brown emphasizes the importance of maintaining openness and skepticism in exploring different theories of consciousness, recognizing the limits of our current understanding.
Constructivism and Basic Emotions
The debate in the science of emotions centers around constructivists, who believe that emotions are learned, and those who argue for a set of basic emotions that are innate. Constructivists propose that emotions are constructed from a general system that allows interpretation of physiological responses. They argue that there is no fixed set of emotions shared with animals, but rather emotions are constructed based on individual experiences.
Higher Order Theories of Emotion
There is a connection between the debate on emotions and higher order theories. Some researchers argue that higher order states of awareness might be located in the prefrontal cortex, rather than being restricted to a division between higher and first order states. They propose that emotions involve an explicit higher order awareness of danger, which goes beyond simple threat detection. This recognition of personal danger is what constitutes fear as an experience.
The Integration of Emotion and Consciousness Research
The aim is to bring together researchers in emotion and consciousness to explore the intersection between these two fields. By offering a theory of emotions within higher order theories, it provides a starting point for discussion and collaboration between neuroscientists and conscious researchers. It also highlights the importance of examining the role of awareness in emotions and how emotions are constructed.
Challenges in Understanding Emotions
The study of emotions faces challenges in defining and categorizing emotions, as well as explaining the relationship between physiological responses and subjective experiences. Theorists in both fields are working on understanding the complex nature of emotions, including how they are learned, the neural mechanisms involved, and the role of conscious awareness.
The Importance of Understanding Well-being in Therapy and Psychopharmacology
In this podcast episode, the speaker emphasizes the need to consider the well-being of individuals in psychology and psychiatry. While therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and psychopharmacology focus on adjusting behavior or brain chemistry, they often neglect the subjective experience of the person. For example, antidepressant medications may help improve a person's behavior and functioning, but they often do not make individuals feel better or restore their sense of self. The speaker suggests that a comprehensive understanding of well-being should involve a focus on conscious experience and the individual's subjective state of mind, in addition to behavior and brain function.
The Importance of Breaking Silos and Collaboration in Philosophy and Neuroscience
The podcast episode also highlights the significance of breaking silos and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration in fields like philosophy and neuroscience. The speaker discusses how the academic structure, disciplinary boundaries, and differing vocabularies often hinder productive dialogue and understanding between different disciplines. They emphasize the need for philosophers and scientists to engage in meaningful conversations, exchange perspectives, and challenge their own beliefs to foster genuine progress and knowledge. By embracing different points of view and exploring diverse theories, the speaker suggests that a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of consciousness and related topics can be achieved.
Richard Brown is a philosopher at the City University of New York. His work is focused on the philosophy of mind, consciousness studies, and the foundations of cognitive science and he has done significant work on higher order thought theories of consciousness.
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