Cartesian Theater

Cartesian theater is a philosophical concept which asserts that there is an “inner theater” inside the head which is managed by a “little man” or a “homunculus” who also has an inner theater equally managed by his homunculus, and so on and on. The mini-screens present the particular sensory information perceived by the individual. This derisive term was coined by Daniel Clement Dennet III, an American philosopher, writer, and cognitive scientist. Dennet did not agree with the principle of Cartesian materialism which asserts that there is a certain limit or finish line in the brain where the crucial mechanism of consciousness ends. Specifically, Dennet explained that just like in the movie, “Men in Black”, there are small beings inside our heads which inspect the different aspects of our behaviors.