Let's discuss metaphysics of consciousness?

[JoshJaffe]

I'm interested in discussing the arguments in Dr. Harry Binswanger's lecture series the Metaphysics of Consciousness.

I'll start by citing the six facts about the metaphysicis of consciousness that are presented in the first lecture. These are:

FACT #1: Every state of consciousness is a consciousness by someone (the subject) of something (the object).

FACT #2: The fact that consciousness is a what means that consciousness cannot be self-contained. (The primacy of existence.) 

FACT #3: Consciousness is an action. 

FACT #4: Consciousness is an irreducible primary. (Consciousness is irreducible.)

FACT #5: Consciousness has causal efficacy.

FACT #6: Consciousness has free will.

These facts are brought together under general headings:

(1 & 2) Consciousness' relation to reality.

(3 & 4) The special nature of consciousness.

(5 & 6) [Consciousness' power to act?]

[i missed the heading for facts 5 & 6 if it was given on tape.]

Dr. Binswanger adds many points that elaborate these facts and presents some arguments to support and clarify them. He also argues from these to arrive at some conclusions. One such conclusion is apparently a form of dualism. I find his conclusion surprising, so in a future post I plan to summarize his arguments in that direction.

-- Josh

[stephen_speicher]

I'm interested in discussing the arguments in Dr. Harry Binswanger's lecture series the Metaphysics of Consciousness.

Josh, you first said this some weeks ago. But what do you want to discuss?