# What Is It Like to Be a Brain Simulation?

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1402.5379 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1402.5379/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 1 Feb 2014.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Quantum AGI: Ontological Foundations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2506.13134/) (2025)
- [Hamiltonian Formalism for Comparing Quantum and Classical Intelligence](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2506.14456/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

We frame the question of what kind of subjective experience a brain simulation would have in contrast to a biological brain. We discuss the brain prosthesis thought experiment. We evaluate how the experience of the brain simulation might differ from the biological, according to a number of hypotheses about experience and the properties of simulation. Then, we identify finer questions relating to the original inquiry, and answer them from both a general physicalist, and panexperientialist perspective.