Beyond the Hard Problem: Integrating Philosophy, Neuroscience, and AI in Consciousness Research

Summary

The article integrates recent advances in consciousness studies, merging philosophical debates and neuroscientific findings with discussions on artificial intelligence. It addresses issues like qualia and the Hard problem alongside theories such as Global Workspace Theory and Integrated Information Theory. The work highlights how interdisciplinary approaches enhance clarity and testability, ultimately exploring the potential for machine consciousness and its implications for various theoretical frameworks.

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Abstract

This article synthesises recent advances in consciousness studies by integrating contemporary philosophical debates, neuroscientific findings, and emerging discourse on artificial intelligence. It critically addresses philosophical issues, including qualia, the Hard problem, panpsychism, and illusionism, in juxtaposition with empirical neuroscientific theories such as Global Workspace Theory (GWT) and Integrated Information Theory (IIT). Moreover, it examines how interdisciplinary approaches have enhanced theoretical clarity and increased empirical testability. Ultimately, it explores the provocative possibility of machine consciousness, examining whether artificial systems can achieve conscious states, offer novel perspectives and bridge diverse theoretical frameworks to advance the study of consciousness.

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