The ICCS Annual Conferences
The International Center for Consciousness Studies (ICCS) holds an annual international conference devoted to a wide range of issues in the philosophy of mind and related fields, including philosophy, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence.
The primary aim of the ICCS Conference is to advance consciousness studies and to propose new directions for interdisciplinary research in this area. By welcoming both internationally recognized scholars and early-career researchers, the conference fosters interdisciplinary dialogue in a collegial and intellectually stimulating atmosphere. It seeks to support philosophers in engaging with empirical sciences, while encouraging scientists, cognitive psychologists, neuroscientists, and computer scientists to address foundational philosophical questions.
The First ICCS Conference, "Uncovering the Magic of Consciousness: Philosophy, Neuroscience, AI," took place in Siena, Italy in 2024. The conference was hosted at the Santa Maria della Scala Museum, in the Sala Italo Calvino, and was organized by the International Center for Consciousness Studies in collaboration with the University of Messina and IULM University. The event was held under the patronage of the Municipality of Siena, the University of Siena, and the University for Foreigners of Siena.
The principal objective of the First ICCS Conference was to explore whether consciousness can be fully explained within a scientific framework, or whether its elusive nature requires an account that goes beyond cognitive science. Designed as a three-day symposium, the conference featured a variety of formats, including invited talks, open discussions, paper and manuscript reviews, and poster presentations, allowing participants to present their work in the form best suited to their expertise.
The Second ICCS Conference, "AI and Sentience," was held in 2025, in Heraklion, Crete. The conference brought together leading researchers in philosophy, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence to address a central and timely question: Is AI sentience possible?
The event took place at the Megaron Hotel, with additional sessions hosted at the Municipal Gallery of Heraklion and the historic Vitsentzos Kornaros Cinema and Theatre, offering a unique setting for interdisciplinary exchange and discussion.
Information and announcements regarding upcoming ICCS conferences, events, and related initiatives are regularly published on the official International Center for Consciousness Studies website, where scholars and interested audiences can follow the Center's latest activities and developments.
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