The merits of higher-order thought theories

Abstract

Over many years and in many publications David Rosenthal has developed, defended and applied his justly well-known higher-order thought theory of consciousness. In this paper I explain the theory, then provide a brief history of a major objection to it. I suggest that this objection is ultimately ineffectual, but that behind it lies a reason to look beyond Rosenthal’s theory to another sort of HOT theory. I then offer my own HOT theory as a suitable alternative, before concluding in a final section.