No Consciousness? No Meaning (and no AGI!)
Qeios April 22, 2026 DOI: 10.32388/dn232y.6
Summary
The work argues that without consciousness, there can be no genuine meaning or understanding, and therefore artificial general intelligence (AGI) as commonly conceived is unattainable. It contends that current AI systems, which lack subjective experience, cannot possess meaning in the way humans do. The piece explores the philosophical relationship between consciousness, meaning, and intelligence, concluding that true AGI would require consciousness.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Consciousness is necessary for meaning and understanding, so AGI without consciousness is impossible. |
Abstract
No Consciousness? No Meaning (and no AGI!)