9. Predictions and Deductions about Consciousness
Human and Machine Consciousness March 7, 2018 DOI: 10.11647/obp.0107.09 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that theories of consciousness can be tested only on systems assumed to be conscious, and that deductions about consciousness in other systems cannot be verified. |
Abstract
Chapter 9 explains how theories of consciousness can be experimentally tested. This can only be done on systems that we assume are conscious, such as normally functioning adult human brains. We can also use theories of consciousness to make deductions about the consciousness of brain damaged people, animals and robots. These deductions cannot be verified because we cannot measure the consciousness of these systems.