From consciousness to computation: a spectrum of theories of consciousness and selected salient features germane to the development of thinking machines

This study investigated the field of consciousness to isolate concepts that might be useful in producing thinking machines, potentially with full consciousness. Questions that informed the research were: Is it possible to identify “successful” theories of consciousness? Can there be a set of salient features that would be useful in the evaluation of theories of consciousness? A literature survey identifies ways in which enduring problems in discussing intelligence, cognition and consciousness are addressed. The findings trace the development of Western theories of consciousness in the field of Cognitive Science. The resulting Spectrum of Theories of Consciousness is a high-level organization schema, evaluating theories for their relative reliance on physically verifiable evidence. Four selected Salient Features are: The Turing Test, Qualia, Implementation and Systematicity. The Spectrum and Salient Features provide a novel structure for comparison and evaluation of theories within the field of consciousness and the attempt to create thinking machines.