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functionalism

2 posts tagged functionalism from Triarchy of Sentience.

functionalism philosophy of mind AI consciousness

Functionalism's Unfinished Business: Why 'Same Function, Same Mind' Isn't Enough

Functionalism remains the default theory behind AI consciousness claims, but its core logic has a gap that neither philosophers nor engineers have closed.

N. Varela

· May 18, 2026 · 5 min read

Three Frameworks for Thinking About Machine Sentience

Functionalism, integrated information theory, and global workspace theory each offer a different lens on whether machines could be sentient. None of them settle the question.

N. Varela

· February 21, 2025 · 4 min read

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philosophy of mind AI consciousness cognitive science consciousness self-awareness sentience theory AI sentience global workspace theory hard problem IIT predictive processing sentience

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