IS CONSCIOUSNESS JUST CONSCIOUS BEHAVIOR

Abstract

Shanahan's work admirably and convincingly supports Baars' global workspace by means of plausible and updated neural models. Yet little of his work is related with the issue of consciousness as phenomenal experience. He focuses his effort mostly on the behavioral correlates of consciousness like autonomy, flexibility, and information integration. Moreover, although the importance of embodiment and situated cognition is emphasized, most of the conceptual tools suggested (dynamic systems, complex networks, global workspace) require the external world only during their development. Leaving aside the issue of phenomenal experience, the book fleshes out a convincing and thought-provoking model for many aspects of conscious behaviour.