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Axioms, properties and criteria: Roles for synthesis in the science of consciousness

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 06:10 authored by Robert W Clowes, Anil SethAnil Seth
Synthetic methods in science can aim at either instantiating a target phenomenon or simulating key mechanisms underlying that phenomenon; `strong¿ and `weak¿ approaches, respectively. While the former assumes a mature theory, the latter find its value in helping specify such theories. Here, we argue that artificial consciousness is best pursued as a (weak) means of theory development in consciousness science, and not as a (strong) axiom-driven project to build a conscious artefact. As with the other sciences of the artificial (intelligence, life), artificial consciousness can contribute by elaborating the possibilities and limitations of candidate mechanisms, transforming properties into mechanism-based criteria, and as a result potentially unifying apparently distinct properties via new mechanism-based concepts. We illustrate our arguments by discussing both axiom-driven and neurobiologically grounded approaches to artificial consciousness.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Artificial Intelligence in Medicine

ISSN

0933-3657

Issue

2

Volume

44

Page range

91-104

Pages

14.0

Department affiliated with

  • Informatics Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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