Computational Functionalism, Philosophy, and the Future of AI Consciousness

In this episode, Chris outlines his research programme and argues that we should take the possibility of artificial consciousness seriously whilst remaining humble about our current understanding.

His research is based on three convictions:

1. that opinions on consciousness matter and they are not fixed
2. that existing theories of consciousness must be held to higher standards
3. that progress in human neuroscience is ultimately necessary for consensus.

Chris argues that philosophical uncertainty need not paralyse practical decision-making, and that a well-informed community can still reach meaningful collective judgements about AI consciousness even without scientific consensus.