Invited commentary: assessment or attribution of consciousness?
Behavioral and Brain Sciences 2026 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x25103671 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that we are not epistemically justified in judging whether the neurobiological details of computational mechanisms are relevant to consciousness, because it is unclear how the medium independence of neural computation required by Computational Functionalism could be established, and also unclear whether predictive processing depends on life-sustaining biological processes and whether consciousness is medium dependent. |
Abstract
Abstract I argue that we are not epistemically justified to judge whether the neurobiological details of computational mechanisms are relevant to consciousness or not. It is unclear how the medium independence of neural computation required for Computational Functionalism could be established. But it is also unclear whether predictive processing depends on life-sustaining biological processes and whether consciousness is medium dependent.
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- Cheap Correlate or Discriminating Property? An Executable Validation Protocol for Consciousness- and Cognition-Theoretic Claims about AI arXiv (Cornell University) August 17, 2023
- Unpacking the complexities of consciousness: Theories and reflections. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews March 1, 2025
- Tests for consciousness in humans and beyond. Trends in Cognitive Sciences March 1, 2024
- What is consciousness, and could machines have it? Science October 27, 2017
- Consciousness cannot be separated from function. Trends in Cognitive Sciences August 1, 2011