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Updated: May 31, 2026
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Creating Objects and Object Categories for Studying Perception and Perceptual Learning
Published on: November 2, 2012
Simulating visual qualia in the CERA-CRANIUM cognitive architecture.
Raúl Arrabales1, Agapito Ledezma, Araceli Sanchis
1Carlos III University of Madrid, Avda. Universidad, 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain. rarrabal@inf.uc3m.es
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|July 12, 2011
Summary
This study introduces a model for artificial qualia, enabling the study of consciousness in artificial systems. By simulating visual perception, it offers insights into synthetic experience and potential parallels with human cognition.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- Qualia represent a significant challenge in consciousness studies, particularly concerning subjective experience.
- Investigating qualia in artificial systems offers a novel approach to understanding consciousness.
- Existing research often struggles with the subjective nature of qualia, limiting empirical study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and model "artificial qualia" within artificial cognitive architectures.
- To apply the artificial quale model to generate and analyze synthetic visual experiences.
- To explore potential analogies between artificial and human cognitive processes related to perception.
Main Methods:
- Development of a computational model for artificial qualia.
- Implementation of the model within the CERA-CRANIUM cognitive architecture, based on global workspace theory.
- Simulation of visual perception, specifically the apparent motion effect, to generate and analyze artificial qualia.
Main Results:
- Successful definition and partial application of an artificial quale model.
- Generation of synthetic visual experiences, including apparent motion effects, within the CERA-CRANIUM architecture.
- Detailed analysis of internal states and percepts of the artificial cognitive system during simulations.
Conclusions:
- Artificial cognitive architectures provide a viable framework for studying qualia.
- The model allows for the detailed examination of simulated conscious perception processes.
- Observed states in artificial systems may offer insights into analogous mechanisms in human cognition.
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