Minds, Bodies, and Methods
Simon Goldstein, Cameron Domenico Kirk-Giannini
October 20, 2026 DOI: 10.1093/9780197840375.003.0008 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the study of consciousness, including AI consciousness, can proceed methodologically despite metaphysical puzzles such as phenomenal zombies and the explanatory gap. Proposes a "functional basis approach" for applying scientific theories of consciousness to artificial systems, and raises concerns about the "indicator" approach. |
Abstract
Abstract This chapter clears the ground for subsequent discussion of consciousness and sentience in AIs by addressing two methodological issues pertaining to the study of consciousness. First, it considers whether the study of consciousness presents specially intractable metaphysical difficulties, focusing on arguments against physicalism from the possibility of phenomenal zombies and the explanatory gap. Second, it describes the book’s approach to the study of AI consciousness in more detail and contrasts it with the recently popular “indicator” approach, concluding with some concerns about the latter. Along the way, it provides an explicit methodology for thinking about how to apply scientific theories of consciousness to artificial systems: the functional basis approach.
Citations in the library
Cites 13
- Ten Problems of Consciousness The MIT Press eBooks November 17, 1995
- The Epistemic Role of Consciousness Philosophy and Phenomenological Research August 2, 2019
- The search for invertebrate consciousness. Noûs March 1, 2022
- Identifying indicators of consciousness in AI systems. Trends in Cognitive Sciences June 1, 2026
- Tests of Animal Consciousness are Tests of Machine Consciousness Erkenntnis April 1, 2025
and 8 more in the library