ABSTRACT

Self-representational theories of consciousness share with higher-order thoughts (HOT) theories the idea that any time a subject is in a mental state they are aware of that state. They deny that this awareness requires a separate mental state. A 'pure' self-representational or reflexive theory of consciousness holds that it is the conscious state itself that somehow is conscious of it or includes an element which is an awareness of itself. Self-representational theories can avoid problems facing standard and dispositional HOT theories. In the background of HOT theories, Gennaro's Wide Intrinsicality View (WIV) treatment and the self-representational approaches in general is a linchpin principle. One of the mysterious features of consciousness is that conscious states seem to effortlessly reveal themselves to their subject. One approach to explaining this fact is that conscious states are self-representing. It might even be hoped that self-representation is the key to understanding the nature of consciousness and the solution to the generation problem.