Wegner’s theory treats conscious self-explanation as a causally disconnected epiphenomenon.

Evidence

Wegner (2002) also proposed a selective-controllability solution for the pesky morality problem in terms of his conceptual model that Nahmias (2002) calls “modular epiphenomenalism.” In this view, environmental inputs sub-consciously activate both the action system and an epiphenomenal interpretive module that creates post hoc explanations of behavior. This module cannot affect how one behaves because it is disconnected from the action system. — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 319

Categorization

• DEFINE: Clarifies what modular epiphenomenalism is and why the interpretive module is causally inert.