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Internal constraints for phenomenal externalists: a structure matching theory.
Bryce Dalbey1, Bradford Saad2,3
1University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA.
Synthese
|August 22, 2022
Summary
We introduce structure matching tracking intentionalism, a new theory of sensory experience. This naturalistic intentionalism explains how brain states track properties and fix phenomenal content, even accounting for "missing shades" of experience.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Mind
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Existing theories of sensory experience struggle to satisfy key constraints.
- A comprehensive theory must explain internal-phenomenal correlations and the role of external factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel theory of naturalistic intentionalism for sensory experience.
- To satisfy five critical constraints on theorizing about experience.
Main Methods:
- Development of structure matching tracking intentionalism.
- Analysis of how brain states track determinables and select determinates.
- Application of the theory to explain phenomenal correlations and external influences.
Main Results:
- The proposed theory satisfies all five motivating constraints.
- It explains internal-phenomenal structural correlations effectively.
- It integrates external features in fixing phenomenal content and explains "missing shades".
Conclusions:
- Structure matching tracking intentionalism offers a robust framework for understanding sensory experience.
- The theory provides a unified account of internal and external factors in phenomenology.
- It advances the scientific study of consciousness and perception.
Keywords:
IntentionalismMissing shadesNaturalismPerceptual variationPhenomenal externalismPhenomenal structureTracking intentionalismMore Related Videos
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