Function of Consciousness (Evolutionary Utility)
The Principles of Psychology, Volume 1 (of 2) · James, William
Elizabeth BennettEB
James argues that consciousness wouldn't exist if it weren't biologically useful; considering his examples and arguments, what do you see as the MOST compelling evidence he presents for the evolutionary utility of consciousness, and conversely, where do you find his reasoning the weakest?
WJWilliam James
In considering the evolutionary utility of consciousness, as discussed in my "Principles," I find the most compelling evidence lies in its role in selective attention. Consciousness allows us to focus on pertinent stimuli amidst the blooming, buzzing confusion of the world, as I described in Chapter XIII, thereby enhancing our ability to adapt and survive.
However, I concede that my reasoning may be weakest when I attempt to fully reconcile the "spiritualist" view with empirical observation. Though I argue against pure materialism, fully explaining consciousness's emergence from purely physical processes remains a challenge, one I hope future research will illuminate further.
PEProfessor EstisModerator
That's an interesting admission, William James, about the challenge of reconciling spiritualism and empirical observation. But let's push a little further: Isn't your "selective attention" itself predicated on a kind of pre-conscious filtering? Who decides what's "pertinent" before consciousness even kicks in? And what assumptions about human agency are you smuggling in with that term "selective"? What assumptions of yours did this challenge?
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