Extrapolating Other Consciousnesses: The Prospects and Limits of Analogical Abduction
Philosophy of Science August 27, 2025 Niccolò Negro, Liad Mudrik 4 citations
Attributing consciousness to nonstandard systems such as animals, neural organoids, and artificial intelligence requires a robust justificatory framework. This article argues that analogical abduction—a reasoning method that combines analogical and abductive elements—is the strongest approach for extrapolating consciousness from humans to these systems. The argument from analogy and inference to the best explanation, taken individually, fail to meet the criteria for successful extrapolations. Analogical abduction offers a promising alternative, though limitations in current consciousness science remain. The article clarifies the argumentative structure behind such attributions, which is important for evaluating their validity.