In philosophy, a philosophical zombie or p-zombie is a hypothetical person who is unconscious and lacks qualia (the subjective character of experience). Philosophical zombies are mainly used in arguments (zombie arguments) about the philosophy of mind, and particularly in functionalism.

A behavioral zombie is externally and behaviorally identical with humans and therefore we might project a mind or consciousness onto this creature which may not be conscious.

A neurological zombie has a human brain and is otherwise physically identical to humans, but is unconscious and has no subjective experience. Because such a being is physically human, any difference must be related to dualism.

While zombies cannot be distinguished from thinking humans by their behavior, certain areas of philosophy, religion, or parapsychology may distinguish them. Religions would not consider a zombie to possess a soul or to experience an afterlife, and some claim that a psychic could sense their difference.

See also

• zimboe
• possible worlds