Is a Conscious Robot a Scientific Hypothesis or Just a Faith?

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

I try to show that the hypothesis that a very sophisticated robot may develop consciousness and understanding is not a scientific hypothesis. First I argue that a robot that perfectly imitates human behavior will not necessarily be endowed with consciousness. I then argue, based on a thought experiment that I call the “robotic-mom,” that the hypothesis about a conscious robot is just a matter of faith.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)147-156
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Mind and Behavior
Volume44
Issue number3-4
StatePublished - 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Institute of Mind and Behavior, Inc.

Keywords

  • AI
  • consciousness
  • robots

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)

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