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The Chinese Room Argument

David Cole · 2024 · Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Spiritual Evidence Map/Last updated May 10, 2026/Claims v1.0.0-provisional/Sources v1.0.0/Scores provisional

Summary

Searle's famous argument that symbol manipulation alone cannot produce understanding, and the major replies.

Why it matters here

The standard sceptical argument against AI consciousness; required reading for any serious treatment.

Linked claims

Evidence score 3/10
AI systems can be conscious

Behaviour is not evidence of inner experience. We have no detector for consciousness in any system we did not already believe to be conscious.

Related evidence hubs

Topic hub
Consciousness & Mind

What consciousness is, how it relates to brains, and whether it's basic to reality.

Evidence pillar
Consciousness

The nature of subjective experience.

Evidence pillar
Philosophy of mind

Mind–brain relation, qualia, intentionality.