Continuing Commentary Jeffrey A. Gray (1995). The contents of consciousness: A neuropsychological conjecture. BBS 18:659–722.
The contents of consciousness: From C to shining C++
Michael H. Joseph a1andSamuel R. H. Joseph a2 a1 Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, University of London, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
spjtmhj@iop.kclf.ac.uk a2 Centre for Cognitive Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9LW, United Kingdom
srhj@cogsci.ed.ac.uk
Abstract
We suggest that consciousness (C) should be addressed as a multilevel concept. We can provisionally identify at least three, rather than two, levels: Gray's system should relate at least to the lowest of these three levels. Although it is unlikely to be possible to develop a behavioural test for C, it is possible to speculate as to the evolutionary advantages offered by C and how C evolved through succeeding levels. Disturbances in the relationships between the levels of C could underlie mental illness, especially schizophrenia.
