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There are absolutely conceivable experiments that can demonstrate experience. For example, suppose we found that temporarily disabling some part of the brain (
by Strilanc 14y ago
There are absolutely conceivable experiments that can demonstrate experience.
For example, suppose we found that temporarily disabling some part of the brain (with a strong magnetic field) temporarily suppresses conscious experience. You try it on yourself. Afterwards you remember doing things but not being conscious of them. This is scientific evidence (note: not proof) that any animal with a corresponding brain part is conscious.
- Xcelerate 14y agoI'm not sure I understand -- if you remember doing things, wouldn't you also remember being conscious of doing them? (Regardless of whether or not you actually were). For instance, let's suppose we get advanced enough one day to implant fake memories. You would remember experiencing them even though you never actually did those things. But this is two separate concepts: memory and experience. Experience can only ever occur at the current moment in time.
- Strilanc 14y agoIt might be a bit more indirect, like no one in this state understands consciousness but they are still capable of introspection. In essence I'm just saying consciousness affects the world (e.g. it vibrates the air one way instead of another when we talk about it). This implies we can create experiments to learn about it through its effects on the world.