A Systematic Reconstruction of Brentano’s Theory of Consciousness

Abstract In recent years, Brentano’s theory of consciousness has been systematically reassessed. The reconstruction that received the most attention is so-called identity reconstruction. It says secondary and mental phenomenon it about are one same. Crucially, claimed this thesis only which can make immune to what he considers main threat it, namely, duplication primary object. paper, I argue untenable, defend an alternative, name unity According reconstruction, a real part about, hence distinct from it. contend does not in itself lead object, should be blamed rather controversial intentional structure consciousness—a Brentano ultimately abandoned.