The Phenomenal Concept Strategy and the Master Argument:

Proposing and Supporting the Illusionist Option

Abstract

    How can phenomenal consciousness be explained from a physicalist perspective? In this paper, I will explore the “phenomenal concept strategy” as a promising approach. According to this strategy, the puzzling features of consciousness can be addressed through “phenomenal concepts,” which can be understood within a physicalist framework. However, Chalmers has presented the “master argument” against this strategy. According to this argument, proponents of the phenomenal concept strategy either fail to explain our beliefs about conscious experiences or fail to articulate phenomenal concepts within a physicalist framework. After reviewing the existing responses to the master argument, I will propose a new option: the “illusionist option,” and argue that it offers a promising avenue for further exploration.