Transparency and Representationalism

Abstract

This chapter explores the phenomenon of transparency and presents several different versions of representationalism about conscious states, only one of which is endorsed. There are discussions of representationalism with respect to perceptual experiences, bodily sensations, emotions, conscious thoughts, and moods. Along the way, the objection from blur in vision is addressed and an account offered of how introspection works with respect to conscious states. At the end, there is a discussion of whether consciousness itself is transparent to us. The background context for this discussion is provided by some remarks made by G.E. Moore that seem to run counter to transparency.