ABSTRACT
Chapter 5 analyzes the main features of Utpaladeva’s theory of consciousness, elucidates its conceptual and linguistic nature, shows how crucial was the influence of Bhartṛhari on it, and illustrates how the theory is positioned within the contemporary debate. The main idea here is that Utpaladeva is defending a form of ‘Higher-Order Theory’ of consciousness according to which a mental state becomes conscious when it is the content of a higher-order conceptual mental state. In addition, the Pratyabhijñā authors claim that the activity of higher-order thought is impossible without language.
