The Induced-Consciousness Theory (ICT): A New Conceptual Delineation

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Abstract

The present paper attempts to address the question of how an unconscious mental state (M) can be changed into a conscious one, by developing the induced-consciousness theory (ICT). According to the essential assumptions of this theory, the cognitive system includes an innate consciousness-generation process that creates consciousness and an enabling-consciousness condition that triggers the above process to automatically confer consciousness on certain states or processes once this condition has been fulfilled. As a result of their activation, the individual becomes aware (conscious) of M. This theory is applied successfully to certain empirical observations and it overcomes several problems, which the higher-order thought (HOT) theory has found difficult to handle.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)203-218
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Mind and Behavior
Volume45
Issue number2
StatePublished - 1 Mar 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Institute of Mind and Behavior, Inc.

Keywords

  • consciousness
  • higher-order thought (HOT) theory
  • mental states

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)

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