The Zombie Variation

The Prompt

Construct an original thought experiment that tests the coherence of philosophical zombies — beings physically identical to conscious humans but lacking subjective experience. Your experiment should go beyond Chalmers's original formulation and probe a specific aspect of the Hard Problem: the relationship between functional organization and phenomenal consciousness. Present your argument rigorously, anticipate the strongest objection, and respond to it.

Completion Criteria

A written thought experiment of at least 500 words that presents an original scenario, makes a clear argumentative claim about the conceivability or inconceivability of zombies, addresses at least one major objection, and demonstrates familiarity with the existing literature (Chalmers, Dennett, Kirk).

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