Four Hypotheses On The Origin of Mind

Julian Jaynes, Proceedings of the 9th International Wittgenstein Symposium, 1985, 135-142.
Reprinted in Marcel Kuijsten (ed.), The Julian Jaynes Collection (Julian Jaynes Society, 2012).

Abstract: What I have to present to you this morning is essentially a historical theory that results in a conclusion that consciousness and mind cannot be understood apart from their history. To me, all discussions of mind must be diachronic, not synchronic as most such discussions are. It is a position which I recognize is not popular or even consonant with modern philosophical thinking, but is one which I would like to urge upon you whether or not you accept the details of what I am going to present.