8. Computation Theories of Consciousness
Human and Machine Consciousness March 7, 2018 DOI: 10.11647/obp.0107.08 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractSome people think consciousness arises from computations, whether in a brain or a computer. This chapter argues that computations alone cannot produce consciousness because computing is a subjective way we interpret the world. Instead, theories linking consciousness to computation should be seen as physical theories of consciousness.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that computations cannot be linked to consciousness by themselves because computing is a subjective use we make of the world, and computation theories of consciousness should be reinterpreted as physical theories of consciousness. |
Abstract
Some people believe that consciousness is linked to the execution of computations. They claim that some computations are linked to consciousness regardless of whether they are executing in a brain or a digital computer. Chapter 8 argues that computations cannot be linked to consciousness by themselves because computing is a subjective use that we make of the world. Computation theories of consciousness should be reinterpreted as physical theories of consciousness.