Biological Essentialism vs. Illusionism: Digital Minds Reading Group
Hosted by DC Digital Minds + Jessie Mannisto
Register with organizer
What to look forward to
DC Digital Minds’ November reading group will compare neuroscientists Michael Graziano’s account of illusionist theories of consciousness and Anil Seth’s argument that conscious AI is profoundly unlikely, exploring what consciousness means and why experts disagree. Beginners are welcome to discuss the papers alongside people working in AI, philosophy, and social science.
Inside the event
Join DC Digital Minds for the second meeting of our monthly reading group, where we’ll gather to explore important new work on AI minds, behavior, cognition, and moral status.
For November's reading group, we’ll discuss a pair of perspectives
In "Illusionism Big and Small: Some Options for Explaining Consciousness," Princeton neuroscientist Michael Graziano explains so-called "illusionist" theories that, some would argue, are compatible with machine consciousness.
Meanwhile, in "The Mythology of Conscious AI," University of Sussex neuroscientist Anil Seth makes the case for why he thinks machine consciousness is profoundly unlikely.
This month, we'll compare these two perspectives to get a handle on the current state of the discourse. What even is consciousness? What do different experts think they're looking for in these machines in the first place? Why do neuroscientists disagree so deeply? We’ll carefully digest the claims and decide for ourselves what we think. All views are welcome.
If there's interest, after the formal discussion, we'll invite anyone who wants to continue the conversation more informally to migrate to a nearby bar for drinks (non-alcoholic options and snacks available). This will take place after 8:30pm.
Beginners Welcome
No specialized technical background is required. Whether you work professionally in AI, approach these questions through philosophy or social science, or are simply find it fascinating, you're warmly invited. We’ll work through the paper together rather than expecting everyone to arrive as an expert. *Come for the interpretability research -- stay for the interesting people and thoughtful conversation.*
The DC Digital Minds reading group meets on the second Thursday of the month (with an exception for next month, December, which will meet on the first Thursday). Future selections will explore research and ideas relevant to understanding increasingly complex AI systems and navigating their place in human society.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA. Confirm the venue with the organizer before traveling.
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Last checked: Nov 12, 2026. Confirm current availability before making plans.
Organizer page checked: Nov 12, 2026. Check registration for the latest details.