Velmans, Max. 2011. Can evolutionary theory explain the existence of consciousness? A review of N. Humphrey, 2010, Soul Dust: The Magic of Consciousness. Journal of Consciousness Studies, 18(11-12), pp. 243-254. ISSN 1355-8250 [Article]

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Abstract or Description

This review summarises why it is difficult for Darwinian evolutionary theory to explain the existence and function of consciousness. It then evaluates whether Humphrey's book Soul Dust overcomes these problems. According to Humphrey, consciousness is an illusion constructed by the brain to enhance reproductive fitness by motivating creatures that have it to stay alive. Although the review entirely accepts that consciousness gives a first-person meaning to existence, it concludes that Humphrey does not give a convincing account of how this can arise from random variations in the genome. Nor does he demonstrate how first-person experiences might enter into or be reducable to third-person functioning. The review concludes that Humphrey's case is unconvincing, and goes on to suggest that an entirely different, non-reductive approach may be required to understand consciousness.

Item Type:	Article
Related URLs:	Author
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	Psychology
Dates:	Date Event 2011 Published
Item ID:	26162
Date Deposited:	04 Apr 2019 08:38
Last Modified:	04 Apr 2019 08:38
Peer Reviewed:	Yes, this version has been peer-reviewed.
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/26162

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