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Towards a structural turn in consciousness science
1Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539 München, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Institute for Psychology, University of Bamberg, Markusplatz 3, 96047 Bamberg, Germany; Association for Mathematical Consciousness Science, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539 München, Germany.
Consciousness and Cognition
|February 29, 2024
Summary
Consciousness studies are shifting towards mathematical structures. This work clarifies key concepts and potential impacts of this structural turn in understanding conscious experience.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Philosophy of Mind
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Consciousness studies are undergoing a 'structural turn'.
- Traditional verbal descriptions are being replaced by mathematical formalisms.
- This shift necessitates careful consideration of underlying assumptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To offer essential comments to prevent misunderstandings in the structural turn of consciousness studies.
- To explore the metaphysical premises of structural approaches.
- To examine the viability of structure-preserving mappings and define the structure of conscious experience.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of structural approaches in consciousness science.
- Discussion of metaphysical underpinnings.
- Examination of mathematical formalisms and their application to conscious experience.
Main Results:
- Identifies three critical areas for clarification: metaphysical premises, structure-preserving mappings, and the nature of conscious structure.
- Highlights potential misunderstandings in the adoption of mathematical spaces.
- Outlines the significant promises of structural methodologies for consciousness science.
Conclusions:
- The structural turn in consciousness studies offers great promise.
- Careful consideration of conceptual and metaphysical issues is crucial for successful implementation.
- Structural methodologies have the potential to significantly impact the future of consciousness science.
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