A Cartography of Cognitive and Non‐Cognitive States of Consciousness
Anthropology of Consciousness July 1, 1992 DOI: 10.1525/ac.1992.3.3-4.3
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA theory of consciousness is proposed that integrates knowledge about the evolution and functioning of the human brain. The organism constructs its world of experience as an adaptation to the problem of moving in the world. The relationship between the observed and unobserved world is discussed. A cartography of state-bound meaning links the continuum of arousal states to different states of consciousness. The inevitable ambiguity of perception is addressed, and the evolutionary and developmental importance of self-awareness is emphasized. These ideas are related to poststructuralist formulations.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Consciousness is an adaptation for moving in the world, with state-bound meaning linking arousal to different conscious states. |
Abstract
A theory of consciousness is proposed which integrates much of what we know about the evolution and functioning of the human brammmd. The organism constructs its world of experience as an adaptation to the problem of moving in the world. The relationship between the observed and unobserved world is discussed. A cartography of state‐bound meaning is described in which the continuum of arousal states is linked to different states of consciousness. The inevitable ambiguity of perception is addressed and the evolutionary and developmental importance of self‐awareness is emphasized. All of this is related to poststructuralist formulations.