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Computational neuroscience versus the Computational Theory of Mind: Why their difference matters for the possibility of artificial consciousness.

Bibliographic Details
Title: Computational neuroscience versus the Computational Theory of Mind: Why their difference matters for the possibility of artificial consciousness.
Authors: Ramstead MJ; UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology: University College London Queen Square, London, UK maxwell.d.ramstead@gmail.com.
Source: The Behavioral and brain sciences [Behav Brain Sci] 2026 Sep 17; Vol. 49, pp. e354. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Sep 17.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Cambridge Univ. Press Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 7808666 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1469-1825 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 0140525X NLM ISO Abbreviation: Behav Brain Sci Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Original Publication: Cambridge [Eng.], New York, Cambridge Univ. Press.
MeSH Terms: Consciousness*/physiology , Neurosciences*/methods , Computer Simulation* , Theory of Mind*, Humans
Abstract: This commentary concerns the distinction between computational modelling and computational metaphysics (i.e., the Computational Theory of Mind) in the context of consciousness studies. I argue that the ability to simulate the dynamics of a phenomenon using computational models does not entail that that phenomenon is literally performing the computations that are prescribed by the model.
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20260917 Date Completed: 20260917 Latest Revision: 20260917
Update Code: 20260917
DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X25103580
PMID: 42750518
Database: MEDLINE
Description
ISSN:1469-1825
DOI:10.1017/S0140525X25103580