Does consciousness cause thoughts?

In summary, the debate over whether consciousness causes thoughts is ongoing, with some arguing that the effect cannot precede the cause and others pointing out that it is impossible to be conscious of a thought before thinking it. Additionally, some argue that being conscious of something is different from the definition of consciousness. However, others find this question to be trivial and not worth debating.
  • #1
wittgenstein
216
7
Does consciousness cause thoughts?
This question is central to the debate concerning free will.
1. Effect ( by definition) cannot precede cause.
2. It is impossible to be conscious of a thought before you think it.
3. Therefore, it is impossible for consciousness to cause thoughts.
 
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  • #2
you can think when you are subconscious, so I say no.

But at the same time, questions like this are so flaky and for me the answer usually turns out to be trivial.

Plus, being conscious of something is different from the definition of consciousness isn't it?
 

Related to Does consciousness cause thoughts?

1. What is consciousness?

Consciousness refers to the state of being aware of one's surroundings, thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. It involves the ability to introspect and reflect on one's own mental processes.

2. Can consciousness exist without thoughts?

This is a topic of ongoing debate and there is no consensus among scientists. Some argue that consciousness is a prerequisite for thoughts, while others argue that consciousness can exist without thoughts, such as in certain meditative states.

3. How do thoughts and consciousness interact?

This is also a topic of ongoing research. Some theories suggest that consciousness is a byproduct of our thoughts and mental processes, while others suggest that consciousness is the driving force behind our thoughts and actions.

4. Is consciousness a result of brain activity?

Many scientists believe that consciousness is closely tied to brain activity, as damage to certain areas of the brain can result in changes in consciousness. However, the exact relationship between consciousness and the brain is still not fully understood.

5. Can consciousness be measured objectively?

Currently, there is no objective way to measure consciousness. While brain imaging techniques can show us brain activity, they cannot directly measure the subjective experience of consciousness. Some researchers are working on developing ways to measure consciousness, but it remains a challenging task.

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