Octopus Consciousness Sparks Debate on Functionalism

A discussion argues that if humans and octopuses are both conscious while their common ancestor was not, consciousness may arise in multiple ways, lending indirect support to algorithmic functionalism. The author adopts an agnostic stance on which brain functions are necessary for consciousness.

2026-10-06 ~ 2026-10-06 · 2 related posts

• If octopuses are conscious but our common ancestor wasn't, functionalism gains real evidence — JoshPurtell · 2026-10-06
• Staying agnostic on which brain features are preconditions for consciousness — JoshPurtell · 2026-10-06