John H. Andreae (1992) Robots Need to be Conscious . Psycoloquy: 3(17) Consciousness (2)
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Psycoloquy 3(17): Robots Need to be Conscious

ROBOTS NEED TO BE CONSCIOUS
Commentary on Bridgeman on Consciousness

John H. Andreae
Dept of Electrical & Electronic Engineering
University of Canterbury
Christchurch New Zealand

andreae@elec.canterbury.ac.nz

Abstract

This commentary supports Bridgeman's general thesis. I promote the use of robot design and simulation in psychological argument, and show that there are good engineering reasons for trying to work out what is needed to build a robot that is aware of what it is doing. Acceptance of Bridgeman's thesis that consciousness is the operation of a plan-executing mechanism should enable one to get down to the design of appropriate mechanisms for making plans, storing them, executing them and monitoring them.

Keywords

consciousness, language, plans, motivation, evolution, motor system.

References