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Conversations on Consciousness: Who or what has consciousness?
What does it mean to say ‘I am’? Is the sense of subjectivity a delusion? Are only humans conscious? What about whales, AI, and electrons? How should we use our consciousness?
All these questions, and many others, will be examined by expert speakers in conversation with one another and with the audience in this 3-part symposium series.
In this second event on 12 Feb, we will examine who has consciousness. Do non-human animals experience a sense of consciouness similar to our own? Is a sophisticated AI capable of consciousness? In fact, does even a table have some degree of consciousness, or is it only held by animate objects? Three short talks will provide a range of expert perspectives on these questions, followed by Q&A with the audience.
Philip Goff (Philosophy, Durham University)
Consciousness is everywhere
Heather Browning (Philosophy, University of Southampton)
Evidence for consciousness in non-human animals
Patrick Butlin (Global Priorities Institute, University of Oxford)
The case for AI consciousness
Date:
12 February 2026, 17:30
Venue:
Cohen Quadrangle, Walton Street OX1 2HD
Venue Details:
Fitzhugh Auditorium
Speakers:
Prof Philip Goff (Durham University),
Dr Heather Browning (University of Southampton),
Dr Patrick Butlin (University of Oxford)
Organising department:
Exeter College
Organisers:
Professor Charles Foster,
Associate Professor Kerry Walker (DPAG, University of Oxford)
Part of:
Conversations on Consciousness
Booking required?:
Not required
Audience:
All University members, Alumni, and their guests are welcome to attend
Editor:
Kerry Walker
