Definition
Higher-Order Thought Theory
Higher-order thought theory seeks to explain consciousness by making a distinction between lower-order mental states and higher-order thoughts about those states.
States
Lower-Order States
Lower-order states are primitive, direct sensory experiences, or qualia. According to these theories, we are not directly aware of these states because our awareness is constructed from them.
Higher-Order States
Higher-order states are the thoughts or representations about the lower-order states. It is these higher-order thoughts that we are consciously aware of.