Explanatory Optimism about the Hard Problem of Consciousness

Explanatory Optimism about the Hard Problem of Consciousness suggests that consciousness can be explained in "easy" scientific terms, challenging the intuition that it poses a hard problem. The book presents an empirical model of first-person access, Automated Compression Theory (ACT), which argues that first-person access is achieved by automated accessing of compressed sensory information, leading to the perception of "exceptional" properties that are not present. The burden of proof is now on the pessimists to show why we should not be optimistic about explaining consciousness.

Format: Hardback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Explanatory Optimism about the Hard Problem of Consciousness presents a compelling argument that challenges the prevailing notion of consciousness as a daunting and intractable puzzle. Despite the concerns raised by explanatory pessimists, the book posits that consciousness can be fully explained in "easy" scientific terms. This widespread intuition stems from our firsthand experience of consciousness, which appears mysterious and complex. However, the book offers a debunking argument aimed at undermining the justificatory link between first-person appearances and our intuitions about the hard problem.

The central step in this debunking argument involves the development and defense of an empirical model called Automated Compression Theory (ACT). ACT proposes that first-person access to consciousness is achieved through the automated retrieval of compressed sensory information. This compressed access, due to its distorting nature, gives rise to the perception of consciousness possessing "exceptional" properties, leading to the hard problem. However, the book argues that if there are no such exceptional properties to explain, then a complete explanation in easy terms can fully account for conscious experience.

To support its claims, the book presents a substantial body of empirical evidence supporting ACT. It demonstrates how our sensory experiences are processed and compressed, leading to the subjective perception of consciousness as unique and exceptional. By highlighting the limitations of first-person access and the distorting effects of compression, the book challenges the pessimistic view that consciousness poses an insurmountable challenge to scientific understanding.

Furthermore, the book argues that the burden of proof now rests on the explanatory pessimists to provide compelling reasons for why we should remain skeptical about the possibility of explaining consciousness. It challenges them to present alternative theories or frameworks that can account for the subjective experience of consciousness without resorting to supernatural or mystical explanations.

In conclusion, Explanatory Optimism about the Hard Problem of Consciousness offers a refreshing perspective on the nature of consciousness. It challenges the pessimistic view that consciousness is an unsolvable mystery and presents a scientific framework that can account for the subjective experience of consciousness in easy terms. Through the development and defense of ACT and the presentation of empirical evidence, the book provides a compelling argument for optimism about our ability to understand consciousness in the future.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032533438