GoKawiilNew book challenges the premise behind AI consciousness debates
Cognitive scientist Anthony Chemero's book 'Intertwined Creatures' argues that much of the current discussion about whether AI can be conscious rests on flawed, outdated notions of human cognition itself. He contends that Western philosophy's traditional model of mind as a detached, disembodied thinker is wrong, and instead proposes that human cognition is embodied, dynamic, and fundamentally shaped by social and environmental interaction.
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As AI systems become more sophisticated, public and legal debates about machine sentience and rights are accelerating, often without settled answers about what consciousness even means for humans. Chemero's argument suggests that comparing AI to a simplistic, disembodied model of mind may be scientifically misguided, which could reshape how researchers and policymakers approach questions of machine intelligence.
- Chemero argues AI consciousness debates rely on reductive or mistaken views of human cognition.
- He advocates for an embodied, socially embedded, dynamic model of mind rooted in ecological psychology and enactivism.
- The book suggests foundational questions about human consciousness remain unresolved, complicating claims about machine sentience.
Intertwined Creatures" by Anthony Chemero — This is the very book the article reviews, in which cognitive scientist Anthony Chemero argues that embodied, world-entangled minds are nothing like the lone disembodied thinker assumed in AI consciousness debates. If the review left you wanting the full argument, going straight to the source is the best next step.
See Intertwined Creatures" by Anthony Chemero on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: nature.com — Birhane, 2026-08-24
Published there as: “Can AI ever be conscious? The question stems from a misconception”
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