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An Introduction to Current Theories of Consciousness 2022-08-28T17:55:38.151Z

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Comment by hohenheim on An Introduction to Current Theories of Consciousness · 2022-08-31T09:02:26.996Z · LW · GW

This is the reason why I think it is important to treat repeatable experiences that can be verified by others as evidence. Of course, this already assumes that the world and physics are exist, as well as other people.

Under this principle, your hands are verifiable. But your qualia of colors is not; only that you have some way of distinguishing wavelengths.

Comment by hohenheim on An Introduction to Current Theories of Consciousness · 2022-08-30T10:26:09.295Z · LW · GW

Haven’t heard about that one yet, thanks for point me to it :)

Comment by hohenheim on An Introduction to Current Theories of Consciousness · 2022-08-30T10:25:27.563Z · LW · GW

Hmm, I hoped that I clearly communicated that none of these views is satisfactory on its own. I believe that these are just possible ways of approaching the same matter. In this sense, we don’t disagree. Have I misunderstood your position?

Comment by hohenheim on An Introduction to Current Theories of Consciousness · 2022-08-28T23:25:23.320Z · LW · GW

Good catch, that was a leftover from an earlier draft. I fixed it now, thanks.

Comment by hohenheim on An Introduction to Current Theories of Consciousness · 2022-08-28T22:53:31.348Z · LW · GW

The interesting experience is quite warranted as Rob and I had a chat before I finished this post that definitely affected parts of it.

I think your opinion is a very fair assessment. Most theories, despite elegance or mathematical rigor, don't end up delivering useful tools for further analysis. I also feel that a lot of time is wasted on arguing over semantics since it is impossible not to be biased about your own subjective experience, so I intentionally left the definitions of "qualia" and "consciousness" as vague as possible while still useful. Maybe "illusionism" deserves the same treatment.