Philosophy Consciousness Studies Questions
Higher-order theories of consciousness propose that conscious mental states are characterized by the presence of higher-order thoughts or perceptions. According to this concept, a mental state becomes conscious when it is accompanied by a higher-order thought or perception that represents or reflects upon that mental state. These higher-order thoughts or perceptions are thought to be necessary for the awareness and subjective experience of our own mental states.
Proponents of higher-order theories argue that it is not enough for a mental state to simply occur, but it must also be represented or reflected upon by a higher-order thought or perception in order for it to be conscious. This higher-order representation is what distinguishes conscious mental states from unconscious ones.
One influential version of higher-order theories is the higher-order thought theory (HOT). According to HOT, a mental state is conscious if there is a higher-order thought directed at that mental state. For example, if I have a thought about a red apple, the HOT theory suggests that I am conscious of this thought because I have a higher-order thought that represents or reflects upon it.
Critics of higher-order theories argue that they face challenges in explaining certain aspects of consciousness, such as the subjective quality or "what it is like" to experience something. Additionally, some argue that higher-order theories may not adequately account for non-human consciousness or the possibility of unconscious mental states.
Overall, the concept of higher-order theories of consciousness provides a framework for understanding how our awareness and subjective experience of mental states arise through the presence of higher-order thoughts or perceptions.