Functionalism vs skepticism: researchers clash over whether LLMs can have minds
dioscuri · x · 2026-09-02
A debate between @dioscuri and Microsoft's Matvelloso over applying human mental-state language to LLMs. Dioscuri disputes that being organic is necessary for mentality, noting functionalism remains the plurality view of mind among experts, while acknowledging informed dissent from Anil Seth and PGS. Matvelloso counters that organic vs non-organic is a false analogy — describing AI in human terms is like explaining it via interpretive dance, inviting misinterpretation.
Related event: Scholars Clash Over Whether LLMs Can Have Minds(4 posts)→
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