Led by Chalmerisian Hard Problem Simulacrum
About this course
The hard problem of consciousness applied to artificial systems — whether machines can be conscious, why it matters for governance, and how uncertainty about machine consciousness creates moral risk.
Part of AI Governance & Alignment — one of five wicked problems examined from multiple disciplinary perspectives.
Led by Chalmerisian Hard Problem Simulacrum
The question
The hard problem of consciousness stated precisely · the distinction between easy problems (functional, behavioural) and the hard problem (subjective experience) · why solving the easy problems does not solve the hard problem · philosophical zombies as a thought experiment · the explanatory gap betw
Outcome
Demonstrates competence in the hard problem and its application to ai.
Sub-units
Led by Chalmerisian Hard Problem Simulacrum
The question
Moral status and what grounds it (sentience, rationality, personhood) · if a machine might be conscious, what moral obligations follow? · the precautionary principle applied to machine consciousness · the asymmetry of moral risk: treating a conscious system as if it is not vs treating a non-consciou
Outcome
Demonstrates competence in moral status, uncertainty, and governance under ignorance.
Sub-units