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Hayes & Hofmann, 2023

APA Citation

Hayes, S. C. & Hofmann, S. G. (2023). A biphasic relational approach to the evolution of human consciousness: Un enfoque relacional bifásico para la evolución de la conciencia humana. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 23 (4).  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijchp.2023.100380

Publication Topic
CBS: Conceptual
Publication Type
Article
Language
English
Keyword(s)
Consciousness, Evolutionary science, Processes, Dimension
Abstract

Background/objective

Human consciousness is arguably unique, and its features are hard to explain. Continuous and discrete accounts of consciousness are commonly viewed as incompatible, but both have limitations. Continuous accounts cannot readily account for what appears to be unique about human consciousness; discrete accounts have a hard time explaining how human consciousness could have evolved. The present position paper shows how both continuous and discontinuously elements can be combined.

Method

A biphasic model is constructed by unifying complex systems theory, the evolution of symbolic reasoning as a relational extension of human cooperation, and evolutionary science. The application of this approach to modern views of consciousness is then explored.

Results

Our analysis suggests that human consciousness may be viewed as a discontinuous event, that emerged from continuous foundations. This biphasic account contains processes that can be targeted clinically. For example, developmentally delayed children with problems in consciousness may be helped by targeting the processes the present account suggests are important at different levels of complexity.

Conclusions

This biphasic relational approach fits with the evolutionary record and with data on human cognitive development. It may be useful in guiding clinical intervention.

The article is free to download using this link - https://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S1697260023000169