Possibility of Complex Phenomenal State in Consciousness: A Philosophical Debate

Abstract

The nature of phenomenal conscious state is the core concept in consciousness studies. When we are talking about the nature, character and unity in consciousness, we are actually talking about the nature of phenomenal consciousness. Every phenomenal state is individuated in terms of their phenomenal character. In other words, it is characterized in terms of what it is like to instantiate them. There are two simultaneous opposite view of complex phenomenal state. Some philosophers like Hurley, Tye, etc provide a representational or intentionalist account of phenomenal state. On the other hand, Chalmers and Bayne provide a non-representationalist or non-intentional account of phenomenal state. The aim of this paper is to justifify of both accounts and also intend to provide a satisfactory account of the complex phenomenal state.