Intelligence and the Hard Problem of Consciousness—With ‘Dual-Aspect Theory’ Notes
Marcus Abundis
Proceedings December 24, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/proceedings2025126004 (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 | Natural selection Information theory Information science |
| Key points | Argues that the Hard Problem of consciousness, when assessed against evolution by natural selection, is deeply flawed in its logic, and that an information theory dual-aspect approach offers a resolution. |
Abstract
To model informatic intelligence, agency, consciousness and the like, one must address a claimed Hard Problem: that a grasp of ‘the mind’ lies wholly beyond scientific views. While this claim is suspect, persistent analogues can be identified in the literature, such as a “symbol grounding problem”, “solving intelligence”, a missing “theory of meaning”, and more. The topic of subjective phenomena thus still holds sway in many corners as being unresolved. But firm analysis of Hard Problem claims is rare; researchers instead respond intuitively, claiming that (1) it is an absurd view unworthy of study, or (2) it is an intractable issue defying study, where neither side offers much clarifying detail. In contrast, this paper firmly assesses the Hard Problem’s claim contra one scientific role: evolution by means of natural selection (EvNS). It examines the specific logic behind this claim, as seen in the literature over the years. The paper ultimately shows that the Hard Problem’s logic is deeply flawed, with the further implication that EvNS remains available for exploring consciousness. The paper also suggests that an ‘information theory’ dual-aspect approach is best suited to resolving Hard-Problem-like claims.
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 |