What can the free energy principle tell us about artificial consciousness?
Behavioral and Brain Sciences 2026 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x25103750 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the free energy principle can specify conditions under which a system realizes, rather than merely simulates, a causally relevant property such as consciousness, and that this addresses a weakness in Seth's argument about substrate dependence. |
Abstract
Abstract Does the free energy principle support the view that consciousness is substrate-dependent? Based on previous work (Wiese, 2024), I argue that the free energy principle can be used to clarify conditions under which a system realises, rather than merely simulates, a causally relevant property (such as consciousness). This helps to address a weakness in Seth’s argument.