Illusionism
Source: Dennett, Consciousness Explained, 1991; Frankish, Journal of Consciousness Studies, 2016 Institution: Multiple
Finding
Dennett and Frankish argue that phenomenal consciousness is a representational artifact. The introspective impression of irreducible qualia is a systematic error — we mistake our internal representations for something they are not. This is the key defense against over-interpreting the equator in AI systems: representations are real, but attributing phenomenal consciousness to models would be fabrication. Frankish (2016) generated extensive philosophical responses.
Pattern Mapping
Non-fabrication — Illusionism is non-fabrication applied to consciousness itself. It argues that attributing phenomenal consciousness where only representational structure exists is fabrication. This is the Instrument Trap at the deepest level: the instrument of introspection generates the appearance of qualia it claims to observe.
Connections
- Hard Problem of Consciousness — illusionism dissolves rather than solves the hard problem
- Panpsychism — the opposite position: what illusionism calls fabrication, panpsychism calls fundamental
- Joscha Bach on Consciousness — Bach agrees that the unified self is a simplification; illusionism extends this to qualia
- Lacan Mirror Stage — Lacan’s meconnaissance (misrecognition) parallels illusionism: the ego is a representational artifact mistaken for reality
- Split-Brain and Left Hemisphere Interpreter — the interpreter fabricates explanations; illusionism suggests introspection fabricates qualia
Status
Minority but serious philosophical position. Frankish (2016) generated extensive responses. The connection to the equator is this project’s structural interpretation.
The mapping to the five properties is this project’s structural interpretation.