Knowledge Tree
Relations (1)
related 2.81 — strongly supporting 6 facts
The concept of 'sensational associative learning' is a specific theoretical framework proposed to explain the nature and function of 'consciousness', as detailed in [1] and [2]. This relationship is further defined by how the theory interacts with various metaphysical perspectives on consciousness, such as physicalism [3], dualism [4], and panpsychism [5].
Facts (6)
Sources
Resolving the evolutionary paradox of consciousness link.springer.com 6 facts
perspectiveRussellian panpsychism posits that consciousness is intrinsic, whereas the sensational associative learning view posits that an overall experience depends on both the intrinsic nature of a sensation and its interpretation.
claimDualism presents no obvious conceptual incompatibility with the sensational associative learning theory of consciousness.
claimThe 'sensational associative learning' view of consciousness posits that sensations which tightly co-occur with ancestral fitness threats or rewards are learned to be interpreted as bad or good, respectively.
claimThe author's sensational associative learning explanation is compatible with all major metaphysical perspectives on consciousness, with the exception of epiphenomenalism.
claimReconciling sensational associative learning with physicalism is difficult because there is no well-established, intelligible way that consciousness itself fits within the broader physicalist framework.
perspectiveThe sensational associative learning explanation is superior to the phenomenal powers view because it accounts for adaptive-seeming structural aspects of consciousness and explains why sensations have varying valences, such as clear valence in pain, little or no valence in green, or ambiguous valence in surprise.