Consciousness is often compared to having “the lights turned on,” but this metaphor invites several questionable theses. Let’s examine five of these implications.
Firstly, the “lights on” metaphor suggests that consciousness is either determinately present or determinately absent. This view implies that there are no intermediate states, and that entities like garden snails must be either fully conscious or not at all conscious. However, some theories propose that consciousness can exist in an in-betweenish state, making this metaphor inapt.
Secondly, the metaphor assumes that conscious and nonconscious cognition are similar. This idea suggests that elevation to consciousness doesn’t radically alter the contents of previously nonconscious processes. However, alternative views propose that conscious and nonconscious processes have different structures, which could lead to misleading conclusions.
Thirdly, the “lights on” metaphor connects consciousness with knowledge. It implies that if an entity is conscious, it has self-knowledge, and vice versa. This perspective may be too narrow, as consciousness can exist without explicit awareness or understanding.
Fourthly, the metaphor suggests that subjectivity and phenomenal character are distinct. This view proposes that consciousness itself is separate from the objects or contents of consciousness. However, some theories argue that conscious processes are intrinsically self-luminous, making this distinction unnecessary.
Lastly, the “lights on” metaphor implies that conscious entities come in discrete, unified bundles. This perspective suggests that each subject has a single light illuminating their experiences, with no overlap between subjects. However, alternative views propose that minds might need to share cognitive centers or overlap, defying separation into discrete bundles.
In conclusion, while the “lights on” metaphor can be a useful tool for understanding consciousness, it’s essential to recognize its limitations and potential flaws. By critically examining these implications, we can refine our understanding of consciousness and develop more accurate metaphors for describing this complex phenomenon.
Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/where-philosophy-meets-psychology/202408/is-being-conscious-like-having-the-lights-turned-on