The measurement problem of consciousness

Browning, Heather ORCID: 0000-0003-1554-7052 and Veit, Walter (2020) The measurement problem of consciousness. Philosophical Topics, 48 (1). pp. 85-108.

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Abstract

This paper addresses what we consider to be the most pressing challenge for the emerging science of consciousness: the measurement problem of consciousness. That is, by what methods can we determine the presence of and properties of consciousness? Most methods are currently developed through evaluation of the presence of consciousness in humans and here we argue that there are particular problems in application of these methods to nonhuman cases - what we call the indicator validity problem and the extrapolation problem. The first is a problem with the application of indicators developed using the differences in conscious and unconscious processing in humans to the identification of other conscious vs. non-conscious organisms or systems. The second is a problem in extrapolating any indicators developed in humans or other organisms to artificial systems. However, while pressing ethical concerns add urgency in the attribution of consciousness and its attendant moral status to non-human animals and intelligent machines, we cannot wait for certainty and we advocate the use of a precautionary principle to avoid doing unintentional harm. We also intend that the considerations and limitations discussed in this paper can be used to further analyse and refine the methods of consciousness science with the hope that one day we may be able to solve the measurement problem of consciousness.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://www.uapress.com/philosophical-topics-journ...
Additional Information:	© 2021 University of Arkansas Press
Divisions:	CPNSS
Subjects:	Q Science > QL Zoology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
Date Deposited:	03 Dec 2021 11:51
Last Modified:	08 Nov 2024 21:15
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/112783

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