Picture of Ned Block
Philosophers have focused on many different aspects of consciousness, just as neuroscientists have. One such aspect is that there may not be just one type of consciousness. Philosopher Ned Block has proposed that there may be different types of consciousness that we experience as humans.
Block has proposed two different types of consciousness: phenomenal consciousness and access consciousness (Block, 2002). Phenomenal consciousness really refers to our subjective experiences things like feelings, thoughts, and sensations (Block, 2002). Access consciousness, on the other hand, refers to using information for the processes of reasoning and behavior (Block, 2002). In his work, Block has indicated that neural underpinnings can play a role in these forms of consciousness. However, he has also indicated that this neural basis may not fully explain phenomenal and access consciousness.
Block's definitions of phenomenal and access consciousness have important implications for human life. His definition of phenomenal consciousness can inform us that our experiences of the world around us can be a component of our consciousness but not the sole component. Meanwhile, his definition of access consciousness can help us learn that reasoning and our behavior are critical to our understanding of the world we live in. Ultimately, Block's two types of consciousness help give important insight into how we are aware of our world.
References:
Block, N. (2002). Concepts of Consciousness. In D. J. Chalmers (Ed.), Philosophy of Mind: Classical and Contemporary Readings (pp. 206–218). Oxford University Press USA.
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