THE BIOLOGICAL ZOMBIE AND THE DIGITAL MACHINE: A Critique of Darwinian Continuity through the Lens of Artificial Intelligence

Darwin’s theory of evolution relies on the assumption of continuity: that the difference between human and animal minds is a matter of degree, not kind. However, in the 21st century, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides a new lens to test this assumption. This paper distinguishes between Adaptive Intelligence (algorithmic problem-solving, found in animals and AI) and Reflective Consciousness (the ability to find meaning, unique to humans). We propose that AI serves as a “control group” in this debate. Since mod- ern AI can perform complex tasks without feeling, we can infer that high behavioral performance does not guarantee inner experience. Therefore, at- tributing human-like consciousness to animals based solely on their behavior may be a logical fallacy. We conclude that Darwin’s framework fails to explain the origin of consciousness, mistaking biological complexity for the unique human capacity to step outside the algorithm of survival.