The Border Between Seeing and Thinking

Oxford University Press eBooks, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 16, 2023

Abstract This book argues that there is a joint in nature between seeing and thinking, perception, cognition. Perception constitutively iconic, nonconceptual, nonpropositional, whereas cognition does not have these properties constitutively. The appeal to “intuitions,” as common philosophy, but empirical evidence, including experiments neuroscience psychology. affects i.e., perception cognitively penetrable, this impugn the nature. A key part of argument we perceive only low-level like colors, shapes, textures also high-level such faces causation. Along way, explains difference perceptual memory, differences format content, whether probabilistic despite our lack awareness properties. for categories are concepts, need be singular, attribution discrimination equally fundamental, basic features mind known “core cognition” third category chapter on consciousness leverages results argue against some most widely accepted theories consciousness. Although one about consciousness, much rest repurposes work isolate scientific basis perception.

Language: Английский

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The Edge of Sentience

Oxford University Press eBooks, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: July 19, 2024

Abstract Can octopuses feel pain and pleasure? What about crabs, shrimps, insects, or spiders? How do we tell whether a person unresponsive after severe brain injury might be suffering? When does fetus in the womb start to have conscious experiences? Could there even rudimentary feelings miniature models of human brain, grown from stem cells? And what AI? These are questions edge sentience, they subject enormous, disorienting uncertainty. The stakes immense, neglecting risks can terrible costs. We need err on side caution, yet it’s often far clear ‘erring caution’ should mean practice. going too far? not doing enough? Edge Sentience presents comprehensive precautionary framework designed help us reach ethically sound, evidence-based decisions despite our

Language: Английский

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Cluster kinds and the developmental origins of consciousness

Trends in Cognitive Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 28(7), P. 586 - 587

Published: March 22, 2024

Language: Английский

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Natural kind reasoning in consciousness science: An alternative to theory testing

Noûs, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Sept. 24, 2024

Abstract It is often suggested that to make progress in consciousness science we need a theory of consciousness—one tells us what and kinds systems can have it. But this may be putting the cart before horse. There are currently wide range very different theories all claiming consciousness. How decide between them if do not already know which conscious they of? In paper I aim two things. First, explain why theory‐driven approach science, even one sensitive Lakatosian norms updating Bayesian manner, lead divergence rather than convergence. Second, draw on history thermometry natural kind reasoning sketch theory‐neutral route towards science.

Language: Английский

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The Concept of Sentience

Oxford University Press eBooks, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 23 - 42

Published: July 22, 2024

Abstract Sentience has broader and narrower senses. In a broad sense, it refers to any capacity for conscious experience. Conscious experience here ‘phenomenal consciousness’, the idea that there is ‘something it’s like’ be you. have valenced experiences: experiences feel bad or good subject, such as of pain pleasure. A definition sentience can common ground, despite continuing disagreement about nature valence. We hope current definitions consciousness’ will superseded by more informative successors, but this must await much theoretical consensus than currently exists. Valence, meanwhile, one two major dimensions, along with arousal, structure our affective experiences, matters most from an ethical point view.

Language: Английский

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Perception is iconic; cognition is discursive

Oxford University Press eBooks, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 215 - 264

Published: Feb. 16, 2023

Abstract This chapter distinguishes iconic from discursive representation in the context of a discussion format and function. It discusses determinacy representation, analog magnitude mental imagery, holism, integral vs. separable dimensions. rebuts dualistic views perception that treat object as discursive. That concerns object-file representations memory. The argues term “object-file” is locus confusion since it can be used to denote nonconceptual nonpropositional perceptual also conceptual propositional working depends on distinguishing memory, fragile visual short-term

Language: Английский

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Fetuses and Embryos

Oxford University Press eBooks, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 192 - 215

Published: July 22, 2024

Abstract In the 1980s, growing public awareness that anaesthesia was not routinely being used on newborn babies during surgery led to a successful campaign change clinical practice, vindicated by subsequent evidence. The case shows value of precautionary thinking and subjecting norms scrutiny. When we turn fetuses, there is sometimes concern recognizing fetal sentience may be incompatible with also right abortion, but no incompatibility. We should recognize human fetuses as candidates from start second trimester. Future evidence could move threshold for candidature, it always align earliest scientifically credible, evidence-based estimate. Clinical in this area need formulated appropriately inclusive processes, these processes give appropriate weight voices women. Research embryos raises different set issues. ‘14-day rule’ has represented compromise between deeply conflicting values, conflict never been satisfactorily resolved.

Language: Английский

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Debating Proportionality

Oxford University Press eBooks, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 154 - 170

Published: July 22, 2024

Abstract How could a citizens’ panel reach an informed judgement about proportionality? This chapter describes possible procedure (intended as realistic, feasible ideal) based on pragmatic analysis of proportionality. The is presented with shortlist options which stakeholders have been openly consulted. To each policy option, the applies four tests in sequence: permissibility-in-principle, adequacy, reasonable necessity, and consistency. Proposals that fail test are set aside. pass all ‘PARC tests’ judged proportionate. PARC induce division labour between its expert advisers. At stage, advisers provide on-demand input regarding likely consequences different options, but it falls to ordinary citizens debate central evaluative questions. These questions can be easily understood do not require arbitrating scientific disagreements. Although government ideal implementing agent for such process, other organizations conduct similar exercises.

Language: Английский

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Frontiers of Proportionality

Oxford University Press eBooks, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 285 - 296

Published: July 22, 2024

Abstract Taking invertebrate welfare seriously involves proposing and debating steps that may be proportionate (permissible-in-principle, adequate, non-excessive, consistent) in relation to specific risks. The growing interest invertebrates as potentially sustainable protein sources underlines the need for these debates. It would plausibly set up a licensing scheme requires companies farming sentience candidates investigation priorities fund creation (by independent experts) of codes good practice, where none yet exists. There is one important exception, namely octopus farming. very unlikely could ever meet reasonable expectations regarding animal welfare, so it ban outright. Our current state knowledge makes difficult confident slaughter humane or stunning effective. easier about what inhumane. We should not use live boiling without prior decapods insects, since this method needlessly risks extending intensifying suffering associated with dying.

Language: Английский

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Stepping Back

Oxford University Press eBooks, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 332 - 334

Published: July 22, 2024

Abstract This chapter offers brief concluding remarks, calling on society to prepare for the (perhaps imminent) arrival of artificial sentience candidates by engaging more closely with that already surround us in animal kingdom.

Language: Английский

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