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arXiv · 2601.17588

Intelligence Requires Grounding But Not Embodiment

Marcus Ma·Shrikanth Narayanan
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Abstract

Recent advances in LLMs have reignited scientific debate over whether embodiment is necessary for intelligence. We present the argument that intelligence requires grounding, a phenomenon entailed by embodiment, but not embodiment itself. We define intelligence as the possession of four properties -- motivation, predictive ability, understanding of causality, and learning from experience -- and argue that each can be achieved by a non-embodied, grounded agent. We use this to conclude that grounding, not embodiment, is necessary for intelligence. We then present a thought experiment of an intelligent LLM agent in a digital environment and address potential counterarguments.

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Marcus Ma, Shrikanth Narayanan. 2026-01-24. Intelligence Requires Grounding But Not Embodiment. https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.17588

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