Definition
Relevance is the significance of an object’s properties for the subject.
In the proposed model of consciousness, relevance is not an independent psychological function. It follows directly from the introverted attitude and determines which properties of an object are retained when abstract content is generated.
Relevance and the Origin of Consciousness
Consciousness begins with the simultaneous emergence of several pairs of opposites.
The following arise simultaneously:
- the subject and the environment;
- the extraverted and introverted attitudes;
- consciousness and the unconscious;
- two pairs of opposite psychological functions.
In the extraverted attitude, the environment is posited from the outset as existing independently of the subject.
In the introverted attitude, the environment is posited from the outset as existing in order to satisfy the needs of the subject.
For this reason, in the introverted attitude the environment is initially divided into what is relevant and what is irrelevant for the subject.
Relevance therefore follows directly from the introverted attitude.
Relevance and Psychological Functions
All psychological functions generate content.
Functions in the extraverted attitude generate concrete content.
Functions in the introverted attitude generate abstract content.
Abstract content is generated by abstracting from properties of objects that are irrelevant for the subject.
Relevance therefore determines which properties of an object are retained in the generation of abstract content.
Example
A person is standing in front of a tree.
In the extraverted attitude, the generated content concerns this particular tree in all its concreteness: its form, dimensions, position, moving branches, changing leaves, birds in its crown, the shadow it casts, and its interactions with other objects.
In the introverted attitude, properties that are irrelevant for the subject are abstracted away.
The tree may therefore become:
- a source of shade;
- a fruit-bearing tree;
- an obstacle;
- a place for rest.
The physical object remains the same.
Only the properties that are relevant for the subject are retained.
Relevance and Abstraction
Abstract content is not necessarily more general than concrete content.
Abstraction does not mean increasing the level of generality. It means abstracting from properties of an object that are irrelevant for the subject.
Abstract content is therefore generated from those properties that are relevant for the subject.
Relevance and Feeling
Relevance should not be confused with the significance generated by the psychological function of feeling.
Relevance determines which properties of an object are retained.
Feeling generates the significance of content for the subject.
These are different psychological processes.
Conclusion
Relevance is one of the fundamental concepts of the proposed model of consciousness.
It follows directly from the introverted attitude and provides the principle according to which abstract content is generated.