Abstract
The problem of intentionality provides another way of looking at the riddle of consciousness, namely in relation to meaning. Consciousness has meaning. Most of the things studied by physical science do not have meaning. A stone is just a stone, a star merely a star. They are just what they are, complete in themselves. But consciousness is not complete in itself, because it is about things other than itself. It is not just what it is, but what it means as well. It points beyond itself to the world around it. If this is a mystery, we are fortunate inasmuch as it is a very familiar mystery. To take an example close to hand, this book is not just an object, complete in itself. If it were submitted to a complete analysis according to the best methods of physical science, yielding a model of the book accurate down to the tiniest detail, this analysis would leave something out: its meaning. The words you see are not mere patterns of ink on a page. They point beyond themselves to the things they are about. Likewise, the science of consciousness would leave something out if its model of consciousness did not include its meaning.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
