Sentience, Vulcans, and zombies : the value of phenomenal consciousness
Shepherd, Joshua (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona)
Date: |
2024 |
Abstract: |
Many think that a specific aspect of phenomenal consciousness-valenced or affective experience-is essential to consciousness's moral significance (valence sentientism). They hold that valenced experience is necessary for well-being, or moral status, or psychological intrinsic value (or all three). Some think that phenomenal consciousness generally is necessary for non-derivative moral significance (broad sentientism). Few think that consciousness is unnecessary for moral significance (non-necessitarianism). In this paper, I consider the prospects for these views. I first consider the prospects for valence sentientism in light of Vulcans, beings who are conscious but without affect or valence of any sort. I think Vulcans pressure us to accept broad sentientism. But I argue that a consideration of explanations for broad sentientism opens up possible explanations for non-necessitarianism about the moral significance of consciousness. That is, once one leans away from valence sentientism because of Vulcans, one should feel pressure to accept a view on which consciousness is not necessary for well-being, moral status, or psychological intrinsic value. |
Grants: |
European Commission 757698
|
Note: |
Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UAB |
Rights: |
Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, la comunicació pública de l'obra i la creació d'obres derivades, fins i tot amb finalitats comercials, sempre i quan es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original. |
Language: |
Anglès |
Document: |
Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada |
Subject: |
Phenomenal consciousness ;
Moral status ;
AI sentience ;
Zombies |
Published in: |
AI & society, (January 2024) , ISSN 1435-5655 |
DOI: 10.1007/s00146-023-01835-6
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Record created 2024-03-06, last modified 2024-05-06