A systematic approach to answering the easy problems of consciousness based on an executable cognitive system
arXiv.org February 20, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2603.04440 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Proposes that several of Chalmers's "easy problems" can be derived from the mechanisms of an executable cognitive system: discrimination, categorization, reaction, reportability, and information integration from its learning mechanism; attention and deliberate control from emotional states and information manipulation; and the wakefulness-dream sleep distinction from the source of stimuli. |
Abstract
Consciousness is the window of the brain and reflects many fundamental cognitive properties involving both computational and cognitive mechanisms. A collection of these properties was described as the"easy problems"by Chalmers, including the ability to discriminate, categorize, and react to stimuli; information integration; reportability; information access; attention; deliberate control; and the difference between wakefulness and sleep. These"easy problems"have not been systematically addressed. This study presents a first attempt to address them systematically based on an executable cognitive system and its implemented computational mechanisms, built upon an understanding of conceptual knowledge proposed by Kant. The study suggests that the abilities to discriminate, categorize, react, report, and integrate information can all be derived from the system's learning mechanism; attention and deliberate control are goal-oriented and can be attributed to emotional states and its information-manipulation mechanism; and the difference between wakefulness and dream sleep lies mainly in the source of stimuli. The connections between the implemented mechanisms in the executive system and conclusions drawn from empirical findings are also discussed, and many of these discussions and conclusions are supported by demonstrations of the executive system.