Sandwiched by meaning: The limits of computation for consciousness
Alexander Lerchner
Behavioral and Brain Sciences 2026 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x2510366x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that computation is observer-dependent and therefore only simulates rather than realizes mind, making computational functionalism logically untenable. Proposes that consciousness must be grounded in a living, teleodynamic organism with intrinsic meaning. |
Abstract
Abstract Computation is a description sandwiched by meaning that is supplied by an external observer. This observer-dependence limits computation to a mere simulation of mind, not a realisation. I argue that this makes computational functionalism logically untenable. Consciousness, as a real phenomenon, must instead be grounded in a system with intrinsic meaning – a living, teleodynamic organism.