The Universe Might Be Teeming with Strange Forms of Consciousness
Philosophers and researchers suggest consciousness is not exclusive to Earth's biology. They propose that conscious minds could exist in bodies made from materials radically different from those found on Earth. This perspective challenges the assumption that only Earth-like biology supports conscious experience.
What changed
New arguments from philosophers Eric Schwitzgebel and Jeremy Pober suggest consciousness can exist in non-biological or alien substrates.
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Researchers Argue Consciousness May Exist in Non-Earthly Forms
confidence 85%Philosophers and researchers suggest consciousness is not exclusive to Earth's biology. They propose that conscious minds could exist in bodies made from materials radically different from those found on Earth. This perspective challenges the assumption that only Earth-like biology supports conscious experience.
What's confirmed:
- Philosophers Eric Schwitzgebel and Jeremy Pober argue consciousness could arise in life forms built from materials different than those on Earth.
- Researchers suggest consciousness is not exclusive to Earth's biology.
- The universe may contain conscious minds stranger than humans can imagine.
Still unconfirmed:
- A new challenge to the hard steps theory is impacting assumptions about alien intelligence.