# AI Welfare Without the Concept of Consciousness – AI Welfare Seminars

Source: https://aiwelfareseminars.org/ai-welfare-without-the-concept-of-consciousness/

Held Oct 13, 2026 · online

[Herman Cappelen](https://www.hermancappelen.net/about) ([University of Hong Kong](https://www.hku.hk/))

## Abstract

I call the activity of assessing and improving our representational devices conceptual engineering. Many of those thinking about AI welfare assume that we have a well-functioning concept of consciousness. In this talk, I outline various reasons why this assumption is dubious.

The concept of consciousness has such a weak semantic foundation that it is most likely useless for theoretical purposes. It is a poor foundation for any serious research project. It leads to misguided research projects and massive amounts of verbal dispute. It should be replaced with improved concepts.

As a corollary, the study of AI welfare should be disconnected from the question of whether AI systems can be conscious.