The role of consciousness in adaptive behavior: a philosophy for the science of animal consciousness

Veit, W. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7701-8995 (2024) The role of consciousness in adaptive behavior: a philosophy for the science of animal consciousness. Adaptive Behavior. ISSN 1059-7123 doi: 10.1177/10597123241293184

Abstract/Summary

What is the role of consciousness in nature? The science of consciousness has largely neglected the question through its emphasis on human experience. In this précis of A Philosophy for the Science of Animal Consciousness, I outline how we can move from a top-down approach that begins with investigations in humans to an evolutionary bottom-up approach that targets the adaptive origins of even the most minimal forms of subjective experience. I will also offer an introduction to the central thesis of the book, i.e. the pathological complexity thesis, according to which consciousness evolved in order to enable animals to adaptively respond to their life history challenges.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/118905
Identification Number/DOI	10.1177/10597123241293184
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Humanities > Philosophy
Publisher	Sage
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