Consciousness

Assignment 3

Due Friday, September 28th

 

Remember:

• You must do one of the first 3 assignments. This is number 3, so if you did not do numbers 1 or 2, you must do this one.
• No late papers
• Use your own words—no quotations or paraphrases
• Answer each question—in order.

 

1. What exactly is the main conclusion of Dennett’s article, “Quining Qualia”? If you are not sure, mention the best candidates.
2. Why does Dennett think that the taste of cauliflower is a better case to think about when considering the nature of perceptual experience than the look of the color red? Is he right?
3. Why does Dennett think that the resolving power of neuroscience is limited? Do you agree?
4. What is Dennett’s argument for the conclusion(s) you described in (1). If you are not sure what the argument is, give your best guess. Are you convinced by this argument?