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.
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
Cites 3
- Consciousness in the cradle: on the emergence of infant experience Trends in Cognitive Sciences October 1, 2023
- Human cerebral organoids and consciousness: a double-edged sword. Monash bioethics review December 1, 2020
- A little history goes a long way toward understanding why we study consciousness the way we do today. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences March 13, 2020