Single Idea 2530

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / C. Functionalism / 1. Functionalism]

Full Idea

How could you make a robot conscious? The answer, I think, is to be found in software.

Gist of Idea

Could a robot be made conscious just by software?

Source

Daniel C. Dennett (Brainchildren [1998], Ch.6)

Book Reference

Katz,Jerrold J.: 'Realistic Rationalism' [MIT 2000], p.129


A Reaction

This seems to be a commitment to strong AI, though Dennett is keen to point out that brains are the only plausible implementation of such software. Most find his claim baffling.