Work

Evaluating the explanatory power of the Conscious Turing Machine

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: • Analysis of contributions of the CTM to understanding consciousness in the philosophy of mind. • Analysis of contributions of the CTM to understanding consciousness in computer science. • Analysis of contributions of the CTM to understanding consciousness in cognitive neuroscience. • Clarifications of future avenues of research in light of the CTM. The recent “Conscious Turing Machine” (CTM) proposal offered by Manuel and Lenore Blum aims to define and explore consciousness, contribute to the solution of the hard problem, and demonstrate the value of theoretical computer science with respect to the study of consciousness. Surprisingly, given the ambitiousness and novelty of the proposal (and the prominence of its creators), CTM has received relatively little attention. We here seek to remedy this by offering an exhaustive evaluation of CTM. Our evaluation considers the explanatory power of CTM in three different domains of interdisciplinary consciousness studies: the philosophy of mind, cognitive neuroscience, and computation. Based on our evaluation in each of the target domains, at present, any claim that CTM constitutes progress is premature. Nevertheless, the model has potential, and we highlight several possible avenues of future research which proponents of the model may pursue in its development.

Source: Consciousness and Cognition

DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2024.103736

Authors: Asger Kirkeby-Hinrup, Jakob Stenseke, Morten S. Overgaard

Institutions: Lund University, Aarhus University

Language: English

Topic: Philosophy and Theoretical Science

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,120

Funder: Marcus och Amalia Wallenbergs minnesfond