6-05 Computers can never have a conscious experience.
. . . is disputed by . . .
6-06 It's unlikely humans are conscious.
The claim (Roland Puccetti, 1966)
The arguments against computer consciousness (based on capability
and on structural comparisons between computers and humans) could
be applied by computers against humans with equal success to show
that we lack consciousness. Such arguments, therefore, are of
little value.
The arguments against computer consciousness (based on capability and structure comparisons between computers and humans) could be applied by computers against humans with equal success, showing that we lack consciousness. Such arguments, therefore, are of little value.
The Puccetti argument
Puccetti writes, "Admittedly there is strong prima facie
case for the claim that humans think. That it is only a prima
facie case, however, seems evident from consideration of just
those crucial differences between ourselves and humans so often
overlooked by recent writers on the subject. The aim of the present
paper is to bring these out in as much detail as limited space
will allow" (R. Puccetti, 1966, p. 198).
He concludes: "Is there then no way to settle the controversy concerning consciousness in humans? Will is always be open to some to say humans are conscious, even if most of us find that incredible? Obviously the only way to disprove consciousness in humans is to offer a premise which, if accepted, makes it impossible to maintain they are" (R. Puccetti, 1966, p. 202).
References
Pucetti I, R. 1966. Can humans think? Analysis, Vol. 26,
No. 6, June 1966, pp. 198-202.