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Axioms, properties and criteria: Roles for synthesis in the science of consciousness
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 MedicineISSN
0933-3657External DOI
Issue
2Volume
44Page range
91-104Pages
14.0Department affiliated with
- Informatics Publications
Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes