As a first-order approximation, I would say that…
“As a first-order approximation, I would say that phenomenality is "availability for introspective attention": Consciousness is a property of all those mental contents to which you can in principle direct your attention.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Consciousness arises when mental content can be attended to introspectively, making it available for awareness.
In simple terms: Awareness of mental content defines consciousness.
Focus attention to become conscious of thoughts.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- mindfulness practice
- psychotherapy
- cognitive research
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does directing attention change experience?
- Can something be conscious without attention?
Attention can be limited; not all mental content is accessible.