SMRTR Science & EngineeringSep 9, 2026Nautilus

Does Consciousness Require a Body?

SMRTR summary

Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio argues consciousness requires a physical body, not just complex information processing. His research shows brainstem damage eliminates consciousness entirely, while cortex damage does not. He believes AI could develop a limited form of consciousness, but never fully human-like awareness, since robots lack true biological vulnerability.

SMRTR provides this summary for quick context. The original article belongs to Nautilus.

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