Final answer:
Philosophical zombies raise questions about the nature of consciousness and the hidden assumption in this is that consciousness is nonphysical.
Step-by-step explanation:
In philosophy, the concept of philosophical zombies raises questions about the nature of consciousness and whether it can be considered nonphysical. The assumption often concealed in this discussion is the premise that it's possible for an entity to be physically indistinguishable from a human being but lack conscious experience. This touches on the idea of dualism, the belief that mental phenomena are, in some respects, non-physical. The theory behind philosophical zombies is sometimes used to challenge physicalist views of the mind, suggesting that consciousness cannot be fully explained by physical processes alone. Considering Chalmers' zombie argument, if consciousness is nonphysical, then a zombie, physiologically identical to a human, could not possess consciousness despite mimicking human behavior. Revealing this assumption leads to questioning the rationality of our beliefs and acknowledging the limitations of our knowledge.
However, philosophical assumptions are often hidden because exposing them can reveal inconsistencies or contradictions within our belief systems. Acknowledging these assumptions forces us to question the validity of our beliefs and the rationality of our thought process. This can be unsettling as it challenges deeply held positions and the coherence of our worldview. Examining these assumptions is crucial for philosophical rigor and advancing our understanding of complex ideas like consciousness, but it often leads to uncomfortable realizations about the limitations of our knowledge.