Self-consciousness in the Split-brain Subject

In this talk, I first argue that the two hemispheres of a split-brain subject are associated with distinct conscious thinkers and, indeed, distinct thinkers of self-conscious thoughts, R and L. I then argue that the dynamics of self-conscious thought after split-brain surgery shows that R and L are unlike other pairs of self-conscious thinkers. Indeed, there is a basic psychological capacity much simpler than but ordinarily inherent in full-blown psychological self-consciousness that R and L both lack.

2022-2023 Nicod Philosophy Colloquium. 

Slots for external participants are limited. If you’d like to attend a session, please send an email about one week before that session to Denis Buehler.