self-representational theories

Self-representational theories suggest that the mind or consciousness includes a built-in way of representing or "showing" its own states. In other words, our mental processes contain internal signals or images that indicate what we are experiencing or thinking, allowing us to be aware of them. This internal representation helps us recognize our own thoughts, feelings, and perceptions as part of ourselves. The theory emphasizes that consciousness isn’t just about having experiences but also about having those experiences be visible or accessible within the mind itself, creating a kind of internal "self-awareness" through these self-representations.