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Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
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ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
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Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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The Human-in-the-LLM Box: A Symmetry Test for the Epistemic Limits of Text-Only Consciousness Judgments

Authors: Stasiuc, Victor;

The Human-in-the-LLM Box: A Symmetry Test for the Epistemic Limits of Text-Only Consciousness Judgments

Abstract

This preprint presents the “Human-in-the-LLM Box” symmetry test: impose deployment-like interface constraints on a human (text-only dialogue, limited continuity and verification channels) and ask how much evidence about consciousness or “inner life” a text channel can carry under symmetric constraints. The paper argues an epistemic point (not a metaphysical claim): failure to detect consciousness-like properties from text dialogue is weak evidence against consciousness whenever the channel is narrow and key verification routes are unavailable. We formalize the idea as an identification problem and discuss implications for Safety UX, evaluation, and governance. Related artifacts in the Round Table series include:• Victor Calibration (VC), arXiv:2512.17956• Depth Avoidance (methods note), Zenodo DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18168544 The work is written to be non-anthropomorphic and pro-safety; it makes no claim that current LLMs are conscious.Version note: v2 is a revised and expanded manuscript; it supersedes v1.

Keywords

KL divergence, total variation distance, Artificial intelligence, Natural language processing, AI safety, Information Theory, Epistemology, imitation game, consciousness, turing test, Human-computer interaction

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green