A theory of neural emulators
arXiv Preprint Archive May 22, 2024 Catalin C. Mitelut
Emulator theory (ET) proposes that predictive models trained solely on neural dynamics and behaviors can generate systems functionally indistinguishable from biological organisms, including achieving consciousness, without requiring mechanistic explanations of how nervous systems work. The theory offers an alternative research paradigm in neuroscience, suggesting that circuit- and scale-independent neural emulators can replace traditional explanatory goals with prediction-based models. ET is presented through several conjectures, addressing endogenous and exogenous activation of neural circuits and neural causality of phenomenal states, aiming to advance understanding of how nervous systems generate actions and cognitive states.