Silver bullets and sensory horizons.
Michael H Herzog, Adrien Doerig
The Behavioral and brain sciences June 25, 2026 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x25102896 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractFleming and Michel link consciousness to sensory horizons, model-based computations, reality monitoring, and decision termination, but these functions can operate without consciousness, potentially making consciousness epiphenomenal. Like other current theories, this approach places excessive explanatory weight on a limited set of factors.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | The functions Fleming and Michel associate with consciousness can be implemented without it, and their theory, like others, over-relies on a few explanatory factors. |
Abstract
Fleming and Michel associate consciousness with sensory horizons, model-based computations, reality monitoring, and decision termination. However, these functions can be implemented without consciousness and may make consciousness epiphenomenal. As with other current theories of consciousness, too much explanatory weight rests on a small number of explanatory factors.