The debate over whether machines or computers can possess consciousness is intricate and involves a convergence of philosophical and scientific perspectives. Proponents of machine consciousness often invoke functionalism, a philosophical stance suggesting that mental states are defined by their functions rather than their physical makeup. According to this view, if a machine could mimic the …
Consciousness stands as a multifaceted phenomenon marked by an individual’s self-awareness and capacity to contemplate existence, comprising an array of mental operations such as perception, cognition, emotion, and subjective experience. Fundamentally, it encapsulates awareness of one’s inner states—thoughts and feelings—alongside external stimuli, including sensory inputs. This personalized subjective experience is encapsulated in the notion of …
