Taiga Shinozaki

My main research project focuses on the metaphysics and axiology of consciousness.

With regards to the debate on the metaphysics of consciousness, I support the idea of illusionism, which holds that that phenomenal consciousness does not exist, but merely seems to exist. In my research, I aim to address the illusion problem of consciousness, which asks the question “why does phenomenal consciousness seem to exist, even though it does not?”

Besides addressing metaphysical problems, my other research interests include the value of consciousness. The questions of whether consciousness genuinely has intrinsic value and how significant this value is are topics I intend to explore. I’m also interested in exploring the role of valuing consciousness in ethics, particularly in the field of animal welfare. Furthermore, I am interested in how such axiological considerations influence metaphysical theories of consciousness, such as illusionism and panpsychism.

Other than my primary research, I also engage in minor research in the Philosophy of Trust. I would like to explore the concept of trust and also consider the possibility of applying this kind of philosophy of trust to other fields, such as epistemology of testimony.

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/taigashinozaki.bsky.social
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taiga-shinozaki-032120357/