This week, I continue to discuss ideas from participants at the Cheltenham science festival as to what consciousness might be for. Another theme that emerged from discussions is the idea that consciousness facilitates altruistic or social behaviour. Here are some of those suggestions. “Consciousness is why we look out for…

In the first of a series of posts, I discuss ideas from participants at the Cheltenham science festival as to what consciousness might be for. Several participants discussed decision making and problem solving, where some different ideas emerged: Consciousness is for making decisions, otherwise we would be automated. – Chi…

How we characterise the personal/sub-personal distinction has implications for how we understand the moral significance of cognition and its role in action guidance. Our moral and legal practices are committed to the idea that people are sometimes personally responsible for their actions, being then the authors of those actions. Plausibly,…