# Does Thought Require Sensory Grounding? From Pure Thinkers to Large Language Models

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.09605 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2408.09605/

## Key facts

- Cited by 7 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Placed in Reasoning benchmarks and evaluation, one of 17 directions in LLM reasoning.
- Builds on 2 of its 18 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 18 Aug 2024.

## Placed in

- LLM reasoning / [Reasoning benchmarks and evaluation](https://mlsanity.com/lr/reasoning-benchmarks-and-evaluation/)

## Builds on (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Meaning without reference in large language models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2208.02957/) (2022)
- [Word meaning in minds and machines](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2008.01766/) (2020)

## Built on by (most cited first, 7 of 7)

- [Boundless Socratic Learning with Language Games](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2411.16905/) (2024)
- [A Case for AI Consciousness: Language Agents and Global Workspace Theory](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2410.11407/) (2024)
- [Palatable Conceptions of Disembodied Being](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.16348/) (2025)
- [Why Is Anything Conscious?](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.14545/) (2024)
- [How important is language for human-like intelligence?](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.15560/) (2025)
- [AI Consciousness and Existential Risk](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2511.19115/) (2025)
- [Grounding Without Corrective Control: Truth-Tracking Profiles for Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2608.14252/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Does the capacity to think require the capacity to sense? A lively debate on this topic runs throughout the history of philosophy and now animates discussions of artificial intelligence. I argue that in principle, there can be pure thinkers: thinkers that lack the capacity to sense altogether. I also argue for significant limitations in just what sort of thought is possible in the absence of the capacity to sense. Regarding AI, I do not argue directly that large language models can think or understand, but I rebut one important argument (the argument from sensory grounding) that they cannot. I also use recent results regarding language models to address the question of whether or how sensory grounding enhances cognitive capacities.