The Offload Response for Low-Level Theorists

Some high-level theorists about the contents of perceptual experience use phenomenal contrast arguments to argue for their view. In response to those arguments, this paper focuses on fleshing out a key argumentative strategy available to low-level theorists. Broadly, the strategy is to “offload” the source of phenomenal contrasts to non-perceptual mental states. I explore three different proposals, each centered on a different type of mental state to which the low-level theorist can appeal in employing this move: cognitive judgments, associative thoughts, and seemings.