Impotent consciousness is the term I use for consciousness that is unable to affect the physical world. Such consciousness is the unavoidable result of many theories of consciousness including epiphenomenalism and some of the stricter forms of physicalism.

Impotent consciousness has a number of unpleasant consequences. First of all it defies our intuitive view of the universe; instead of having control over our lives, we are simply observers of the world. We might just as well be zombies.

If consciousness is impotent then it also follows that we have no free will. From this it follows – to an incompatibilist such as myself -that we have no moral responsibility for our actions.

These unpleasant consequences do not mean that impotent consciousness is false. However because of these consequences, it is therefore perhaps reasonable to suggest that we should not accept such theories as a default position but require significant evidence from their supporters.