BARCELONA,May 31st-June 3rd 2002 Hosted by the University of Barcelona and the Science Museum of "La Caixa" Foundation, Barcelona

Consciousness and language are related in many ways. We report our conscious experiences using language, and these verbal reports are perhaps the central tool for scientifically investigating human consciousness. We consciously experience linguistic stimuli such as words and sentences, and also process them unconsciously. A subject's language arguably helps to structure his or her conscious experience, not least by shaping the subject's conceptual system. Some theorists have argued that language is essential to consciousness, and that infants and animals without consciousness lack consciousness altogether.

This conference will explore the many connections between consciousness and language, from the perspectives of philosophy, neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, cognitive ethology, and artificial intelligence. Key questions include:

• What is the relationship between consciousness and verbal report?
• What is the role of verbal reports in the science of consciousness?
  
• What are the characteristics of conscious and unconscious processing of language?
  
• What are the neural correlates of conscious & unconscious processing of linguistic stimuli?
  
• What role do language and concepts play in structuring conscious experience?
  
• What is the neural basis of conceptual and nonconceptual aspects of consciousness?
  
• What role did language play in the evolution of consciousness?
  
• Is language necessary for consciousness?
  
• What sort of consciousness, if any, is present in infants and non-human animals?

 CALL FOR PAPERS 

While the central theme of ASSC6 is focused on language and reportability, and plenary sessions will deal largely with this theme, speakers in concurrent sessions are invited to talk on any topic relevant to the scientific study of consciousness.

Submissions that include physiological, psychological, philosophical, and computational perspectives are all welcome.

Submissions for both posters and talks will be accepted. Any person may present only one submission, but may be co-author on several. Oral presentations will be limited to 20 minutes, to be followed by a 10-minute discussion period.

Plenary lectures, symposia, concurrent sessions, and poster sessions will all be held in the Museum of Science.