Eric Hochstein (University of Victoria)

Presenter: Eric Hochstein (University of Victoria)

Title: Are Biological Naturalists Learning the Right Lessons About Consciousness?

Abstract:

According to theories of Biological Naturalism, the specific neurophysiological details of the biological brain are essential for carrying out the relevant computations and functions needed for generating subjective conscious experiences (what philosophers call “phenomenal consciousness”).  If true, this means consciousness is limited only to biological systems, and unattainable by non-biological systems and artificial intelligence.  In this talk, I argue that the case for Biological Naturalism is not nearly so straightforward as it may initially seem.  This is not because the evidence presented by biological naturalists is false, only that it doesn’t point to the sort of conclusion that they claim it does. I argue that the question of whether systems can or cannot be conscious may ultimately be a ill-formed question until we first learn the right lessons about how we can and should conceptualize, operationalize, and interpret cognitive and mental phenomena more generally within the cognitive and behavioural sciences.

The talk will be in person in the Psychology Reading room, COR A228, from 3:00 – 4:30.