Is Artificial Intelligence Conscious?

Is Artificial Intelligence Conscious?

I truly like the study of consciousness, though it is safe to say no one really knows what it is. Some philosophers has avoided the problem by claiming consciousness simply doesn’t exist. It's the ultimate escape clause. However, the "therefore, it does not exist" argument also applies to "truth", "God", and even "reality" all quite beyond a consensus description for at least three millennia. For each issue or problem defying description or understanding, simply escape the problem by claiming it doesn’t exist. Problem solved or problem avoided? Alternately, as Daniel Dennett explains consciousness as an account of the various calculations occurring in the brain at close to the same time. However, he goes on to say that consciousness is so insignificant, especially compared to our exalted notions of it, that it might as well not exist[1]. Oh, well.

Getting back to consciousness, most of us have views (aka theories) of what it may be, but there is no consensus amongst scientists or philosophers, though great novelists must have clear and resonant views. Our task here is not to offer a fresh definition, but to suggest a starting point. Sometimes, before clarifying a difficult concept, it is helpful to consider precursors or early signs of it. For consciousness, consider the following stages.

A. Stimulus-response. (Lower organisms on up.)

B. Belonging (herds and pack predators, sociability)

C. Can mimic behaviors (beginning of learning)

D. Learn new strategies or use tools (mostly predators, first stage of innovation)

E. Emotional states (as in internal feelings by many animals and us)

F. I am or self-identity (first signs of consciousness)

G. Self-reflectiveness (internal self-communication)

H. Consciousness (humans)

I. Creativity (higher-order consciousness)

Artificial Intelligence (AI), seems locked at Stage A, though with its marvelous language ability, it seems more than just Stage A. However, with training, it learns more. (Think of the single-celled Ameoba, with the Harvard library of knowledge and the writing skills of an English professor.) But does it learn new strategies for its responses or how it trains? Does it reflect on what it spews out? Does it have a self-identity? I have read some of these codes are now writing new codes – no humans involved. Maybe this counts.

A colleague has suggested that AI can generate conjectures and ideas at random, and then decide on their validity. Indeed, this seems to jump from Stage A to Stage I, bypassing any need for consciousness. Interesting thought, yes? Further still is the fact that AI is in its very, very days, and its future is an unknown unknown.

Hoping this puts a few things into perspective.

[1] Dennett, D. C. (1991). Consciousness explained. (P. Weiner, Illustrator). Little, Brown and Co.

UNCERTAINTY IS CERTAIN

Uncertainty is Certain G. Donald Allen 12/12/2024 1. Introduction . This short essay is about uncertainty in people from both secular and nonsecular viewpoints. One point that will emerge is that randomly based uncertainty can be a driver for religious structure. Many groups facing uncertainty about their future are deeply religious or rely on faith as a source of comfort, resilience, and guidance. The intersection of uncertainty and religiosity often stems from the human need to find meaning, hope, and stability in the face of unpredictable or challenging circumstances. We first take up the connections of uncertainty to religion for the first real profession, farming, noting that hunting has many similar uncertainties. Below are groups that commonly lean on religious beliefs amidst uncertainty. This short essay is a follow-up to a previous piece on certainty (https://used-ideas.blogspot.com/2024/12/certainty-is-also-emotion.html). U...

Principles of Insufficiency and Sufficiency

The principles we use but don't know it. 1. Introduction . Every field, scientific or otherwise, rests on foundational principles—think buoyancy, behavior, or democracy. Here, we explore a unique subset: principles modified by "insufficiency" and "sufficiency." While you may never have heard of them, you use them often. These terms frame principles that blend theory, practicality, and aspiration, by offering distinct perspectives. Insufficiency often implies inaction unless justified, while sufficiency suggests something exists or must be done. We’ll examine key examples and introduce a new principle with potential significance. As a principle of principles of these is that something or some action is not done enough while others may be done too much. The first six (§2-6) of our principles are in the literature, and you can easily search them online. The others are relatively new, but fit the concepts in the real world. At times, these pri...

Where is AI (Artificial Intelligence) Going?

How to view Artificial Intelligence (AI). Imagine you go to the store to buy a TV, but all they have are 1950s models, black and white, circular screens, picture rolls, and picture imperfect, no remote. You’d say no thanks. Back in the day, they sold wildly. The TV was a must-have for everyone with $250 to spend* (about $3000 today). Compared to where AI is today, this is more or less where TVs were 70 years ago. In only a few decades AI will be advanced beyond comprehension, just like TVs today are from the 50s viewpoint. Just like we could not imagine where the video concept was going back then, we cannot really imagine where AI is going. Buckle up. But it will be spectacular. *Back then minimum wage was $0.75/hr. Thus, a TV cost more than eight weeks' wages. -------------------------

First Blog

Search This Blog