Variability, convergence, and dimensions of consciousness

The behavioral study of consciousness touches on several philosophical issues. This chapter discusses behavioral methods in consciousness science from the perspective of conceptual analysis and philosophy of science, considering what the methods presented in this book might be able to tell us about consciousness. It suggests that the science of consciousness has reached something of an impasse, and that part of the reason for this impasse might have to do with the multidimensional nature of consciousness itself. If consciousness actually has multiple distinct dimensions, care must be taken in correlating the results of different behavioral methods. The chapter considers several options for moving forward, depending on how interrelated the different dimensions or aspects of consciousness might be.