The Phenomenology of Cognition OrWhat Is It Like to Think That P?

Abstract

A number of philosophers endorse, without argument, the view that there's something it's like consciously to think thatp, which is distinct from what it's like consciously to think thatq. This thesis, if true, would have important consequences for philosophy of mind and cognitive science. In this paper I offer two arguments for it. The first argument claims it would be impossible introspectively to distinguish conscious thoughts with respect to their content if there weren't something it's like to think them. This argument is defended against several objections. The second argument uses what I call “minimal pair” experiences—sentences read without and with understanding—to induce in the reader an experience of the kind I claim exists. Further objections are considered and rebutted.

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