Rosenthal's Higher Order Thought Theory

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Introduction:
In this essay I will argue that Rosenthal's Higher Order Thought Theory provides a possible account of conscious awareness, in doing so addresses and gets to solve the mind-body problem for that particular mental phenomenon.
I will commence by defining what makes a mental state conscious. This will be done aiming to distinguish what type of state we are addressing when we speak of a mental phenomenon and how is it, that can have a plausible explanation. By taking this first approach, we are able to build a base for our main argument to be clear enough and so that we can remain committed to.
Next, I will proceed to describe what the HOT Theories are, which conditions or requirements contain, as well as mentioning some constraints they may show and that in turn can motivates them.
At this point I will start developing a more explicit account of how Rosenthal’s higher order thought theory, tries to explain consciousness in some mental states like awareness.
First order theories are a challenge to any higher order thought theories; consequently I will briefly look at some of them, for they are the other type of theories contesting the explanation of consciousness. Also, one of this FO theories is strongly supported by Ned Block, who is the main objector to Rosenthal's HOT Theories in this essay.
Some examples will be added that are necessary to assist us, in sustaining the main argument as well as to facilitate defining some requirements, for a HOT to occur in a conscious state.
Thirdly, some of Ned Blocks objections to the Higher Order Thought Theory will be considered and review in order to reaffirm the validity of the main argument. Block's objections will be taken as the main challenge to Rosenthal's HO theory....

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...higher order theory provides an encouraging investigation of the many connections consciousness has with other mental phenomena.
To conclude this essay, I like to emphazise that Rosenthal's HOT is more of an empirical hypothesis, rather than an analysis of the term ‘consciousness.’ His aim is precisely to explain the phenomena of consciousness in relation to other mental states, such as thought and perception, and while achieving this, he has elaborated a theoretical structure for comprehending the functions of our mind.
One may be able to conceive consciousness in the absence of higher-order states, but this does not mean that we can explain consciousness in the absence of higher-order states.

Works Cited

Rosenthal D 2002, 'Explaining Consciousness', in Philosophy of mind classical and contemporary readings,Chalmers D J (eds), Oxford University press, New York

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