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Panprotopsychism is a philosophical theory specifically concerned with the nature and origin of consciousness, positing that protophenomenal properties are fundamental to reality [1], [2]. It is frequently discussed as a potential solution to the combination problem of how microscopic entities form macroscopic consciousness [3], and is explored by philosophers like David Chalmers and Galen Strawson as a framework for understanding the emergence or existence of consciousness [4], [5], [6].
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Non-physicalist Theories of Consciousness cambridge.org 4 facts
claimThomas Nagel (1979) discusses but ultimately rejects the weak version of the argument from non-emergence, viewing the pan(proto)psychist conclusion as too implausible, despite being unable to identify the specific flaw in the argument.
claimDual-aspect monism implies panpsychism (the view that consciousness is everywhere) or panprotopsychism (the view that protoconsciousness is everywhere), meaning even non-living entities like fundamental particles possess some fundamental form of consciousness or protoconsciousness.
claimGalen Strawson's argument regarding brute emergence supports panpsychism (in its strong version) or panprotopsychism (in its weak version), which are views that fundamental physical entities are conscious or protoconscious.
claimPanprotopsychists who regard the nature of the protophenomenal as unknown might argue that the epistemic gap to consciousness could be closable if that nature were known, though this appeal to ignorance is often considered unconvincing.
Panpsychism (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy/Fall 2025 Edition) plato.stanford.edu 2 facts
claimThe Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy notes that Galen Strawson does not conclusively rule out the panprotopsychist option regarding the nature of consciousness.
claimMichael Tye converted to panprotopsychism in 2021, arguing that a fundamental element of consciousness has always existed as a feature of micro-reality.
Panpsychism - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org 2 facts
claimAdherents of panprotopsychism believe that protophenomenal facts logically entail consciousness.
claimPanprotopsychism is proposed as a solution to the combination problem, which is the challenge of explaining how the consciousness of microscopic physical entities combines to form the macroscopic consciousness of a whole brain.
Panpsychism - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy plato.stanford.edu 1 fact
claimIt is currently unclear whether Galen Strawson can conclusively rule out the panprotopsychist perspective on the nature of consciousness.
Consciousness (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy/Fall 2025 ... plato.stanford.edu 1 fact
claimNeutral monism can be combined with panprotopsychism, a theory proposed by David Chalmers (1996) suggesting that proto-mental aspects of micro-constituents can combine to create full consciousness.
The Hard Problem of Consciousness | Springer Nature Link link.springer.com 1 fact
claimPanprotopsychism suggests a gradual presence of consciousness associated with different kinds of entities.