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Marc Andreessen is a philosophical zombie

The Verge / 3/20/2026

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Key Points

  • The Verge article notes that Silicon Valley has popularized the philosophical zombie concept by adapting the classic thought experiment.
  • It explains David Chalmers' definition of a zombie as something physically identical to a conscious being but lacking conscious experiences.
  • It contrasts philosophical zombies with Hollywood zombies, focusing on inner experience rather than outward behavior.
  • The piece provides a link to The Verge for the full story and further context about the idea.
A photo of Marc Andreessen’s head opened up, with nothing inside.
What inner life? | Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images

I admit, this is an innovation I did not see coming: Silicon Valley has invented the philosophical zombie from the classic thought experiment "lol how crazy would it be if there were a philosophical zombie."

Until recently, the philosophical zombie was a concept closely associated with Australian philosopher David Chalmers, who defines it as "someone or something physically identical to me (or to any other conscious being), but lacking conscious experiences altogether." Chalmers' zombie twin is identical to him functionally and psychologically - except that he feels nothing. This is different from a Hollywood zombie, which has "little capac …

Read the full story at The Verge.