The Phenomenal Bonding Solution to the Combination Problem

Abstract

This chapter identifies certain theses which in conjunction entail the conceptual core of the combination problem: conceptual isolation of subjects, the transparency conceivability principle, and phenomenal transparency. They lead to the following principle: “For any group of subjects, instantiating certain conscious states, it is possible that just subjects with those states exist in the absence of any further subject.” The critic of panpsychism could conclude that lower-level conscious individuals cannot account for higher-level conscious individuals. The chapter claims that this conclusion does not follow because the principle does not rule out the existence of a phenomenal bonding relation at the microlevel. It explores various answers to the question of when and in what conditions subjects become phenomenally bonded and so forth. Having rejected the alternatives, the chapter is prepared to accept unrestricted phenomenal composition: subjects always combine to make further subjects.