Evidenceprimary · scientific
Block: access versus phenomenal
Ned Block · 1995 · revised 2026-09-19
What the source says
Block distinguishes access consciousness (availability to reasoning, report, and control) from phenomenal consciousness (what-it-is-like). The distinction remains the most useful fence against the Aphrodite leap: a system can have sophisticated access without that settling experience.
Questions it helps us understand
Are we talking about access or experience? Who benefits from confusing the two?
Limits and counterpoints
A classic philosophical distinction, not a measuring instrument. There is disagreement about whether the split is sharp.
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