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The ethical impasse of current consciousness science.

Vincent Taschereau-Dumouchel, Jun Seo Hwang, Hakwan Lau, Joseph E LeDoux

Neuron June 17, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2026.04.007 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Key points Argues that markers of consciousness based on information-processing capacity are of limited use for arbitrating between competing theories of consciousness.

Abstract

Rising media attention regarding consciousness in animals, fetuses, organoids, and AI has led to some rather strong statements. Most of these claims are based on "markers" of consciousness that track the general capacity for information processing rather than subjective experience per se. Accordingly, their relevance for theory arbitration may actually be limited.