In the video, Professor Mark Solms argues that consciousness fundamentally arises from affect (feelings) rather than cognitive processes, emphasizing that feelings are inherently conscious and essential for understanding the mind. He critiques traditional views that prioritize cognitive functions, advocating for an integrated approach that recognizes the crucial role of affective systems in shaping behavior and consciousness.
In the video, Professor Mark Solms discusses the nature of consciousness, emphasizing the importance of affect (feelings) as the foundation for understanding how consciousness arises. He critiques the traditional focus on vision and cognitive processes, arguing that these are not intrinsically conscious. Solms references the thought experiment of Mary, a neuroscientist who knows everything about visual processing but has never seen, to illustrate that one can understand the mechanics of vision without experiencing it. He posits that feelings are inherently conscious and that understanding the brain’s affective systems is crucial for grasping the essence of consciousness.
Solms highlights the role of the reticular activating system in generating feelings, contrasting it with the visual cortex, which processes visual information without necessarily creating conscious experiences. He argues that affective consciousness is a prerequisite for all other forms of consciousness, suggesting that the brain’s ability to feel is fundamental to its functioning. This perspective challenges the cortical-centric view of consciousness, which posits that the cortex is the primary seat of conscious experience. Solms provides evidence from studies of decorticate animals and humans with minimal cortical structures, demonstrating that they can still exhibit emotional responses and consciousness.
The discussion also touches on the relationship between affect and cognition, with Solms asserting that our cognitive functions derive from our affective systems. He explains that feelings guide our behavior and decision-making, particularly in uncertain situations. The brain’s need to maintain homeostasis drives these feelings, which serve as indicators of how well or poorly the organism is doing in relation to its survival needs. Solms emphasizes that feelings are not just subjective experiences but have tangible effects on behavior and cognition.
Solms critiques behaviorism and its exclusion of subjective experience from psychology, arguing that this approach fails to account for the essential nature of consciousness. He acknowledges the contributions of cognitive science but insists that it often overlooks the subjective aspect of mental processes. He believes that understanding consciousness requires acknowledging the existence of subjective experiences and their causal role in behavior. Solms advocates for a more integrated approach that considers both affective and cognitive dimensions of consciousness.
In conclusion, Professor Solms presents a compelling argument for rethinking the foundations of consciousness by prioritizing affect over cognitive processes. He draws on various lines of evidence, including neuroanatomical studies and personal experiences with psychoactive substances, to support his claims. By framing consciousness as an emergent property of affective systems, Solms offers a fresh perspective that challenges traditional views and encourages further exploration of the intricate relationship between feelings, cognition, and consciousness.