Husserl’s concept of transcendental consciousness and the problem of AI consciousness
Zbigniew Orbik
Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences May 22, 2024 DOI: 10.1007/s11097-024-09993-8 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Transcendental number Phenomenology philosophy Transcendental philosophy Epistemology Cognitive science Level of consciousness Psychoanalysis Metaphysics Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key points | Argues that AI, as a human creation limited to the phenomenal realm, cannot achieve the characteristics of Husserl's pure transcendental consciousness, which requires ontological engagement. |
Abstract
Abstract Edmund Husserl, the founder of phenomenological philosophy, developed the concept of the so-called pure transcendental consciousness. The author of the article asks whether the concept of consciousness understood this way can constitute a model for AI consciousness. It should be remembered that transcendental consciousness is the result of the use of the phenomenological method, the essence of which is referring to experience (“back to things themselves”). Therefore, one can legitimately ask whether the consciousness that AI can achieve can possess the characteristics attributed by Husserl to pure transcendental consciousness. The answer to such questions seems to be negative because AI, as created by humans, can only operate in the field of phenomena. Human intelligence, however, is capable of operating at the ontological level. In the face of difficulties in understanding the phenomenon of consciousness on a scientific basis, the question arises about the possibility of using the phenomenological concept of consciousness developed by Husserl as a starting point in analyzes aimed at answering the question about AI consciousness (The aim of the article is not to discuss in detail the contemporary state of research on consciousness. Therefore, many results currently achieved mainly in the field of neuroscience are omitted. It is just about indicating the possible application of Husserl’s transcendental concept of consciousness in research on AI consciousness).
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on philosophy of mind, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychosis as a state of aberrant salience: a framework linking biology, phenomenology, and pharmacology in schizophrenia. | 2003 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| From dopamine to salience to psychosis--linking biology, pharmacology and phenomenology of psychosis. | 2005 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| How do the brain's time and space mediate consciousness and its different dimensions? Temporo-spatial theory of consciousness (TTC). | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The phenomenology of deep brain stimulation-induced changes in OCD: an enactive affordance-based model. | 2013 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Looking for the Self: Phenomenology, Neurophysiology and Philosophical Significance of Drug-induced Ego Dissolution | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cites 21
- On a confusion about a function of consciousness Behavioral and Brain Sciences June 1, 1995
- Dimensions of Animal Consciousness. Trends in Cognitive Sciences August 20, 2020
- Consciousness in the universe: a review of the 'Orch OR' theory. March 1, 2014
- Consciousness and Cognitive Access Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society October 1, 2008
- Awareness in the void: a micro-phenomenological exploration of conscious dreamless sleep Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences August 3, 2021
and 16 more in the library