Anand Vaidya, a Professor of philosophy at San Jose State University, explores the rich tapestry of consciousness and Eastern philosophies. He delves into the nuances of non-dualism, contrasting Eastern and Western interpretations. Vaidya highlights Indian philosophical insights on AI and consciousness, arguing for a cross-cultural dialogue. He also examines moral standing in relation to AI, questioning its ethical implications. This deep conversation challenges reductionist views and emphasizes the interconnectedness of self and consciousness.
Non-dualism challenges Western concepts of consciousness and offers a non-dual, analog, and quality-free understanding.
Jainism's ethical principles suggest that AI systems with sensory capacities may have moral standing, but not on par with other beings.
Incorporating non-Western philosophical traditions, such as Advaita Vedanta, enhances the understanding of consciousness and its relationship to AI.
Deep dives
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Exploring Advaita Vedanta tradition's unique perspective on consciousness
Dr. Anand Vidya, a philosophy professor, delves into non-dualism, a concept prevalent in the Advaita Vedanta tradition. Non-dualism suggests an interconnectedness without separation between subject and object. Various non-dualistic approaches differ in their interpretation, but they all emphasize the idea that absolute and relative truths are intertwined. Dr. Vidya challenges Western concepts that perceive consciousness as intentionally structured and digital, proposing a non-dual, analog, and quality-free understanding of consciousness. He explores the compatibility of non-dual consciousness with AI and its potential moral standing.
Ethics and moral standing in Indian philosophy and AI
Indian philosophy, particularly Jainism, offers insights into the relationship between ethics, consciousness, and moral standing. The Jain tradition recognizes different sensory capacities in creatures, providing a basis for differentiating moral standing. According to their ethical principle of Ahimsa (non-harming), minimizing harm means avoiding the harming of creatures with greater sensory capacities. Applying this to AI, systems with sensory capacities could have moral standing, but not on par with other beings due to their lack of additional conditions. The Jain tradition's emphasis on unequal moral standing suggests that concepts like cluster capacities may play a role in determining AI's moral significance.
The Importance of Combining Eastern and Western Philosophical Traditions
This podcast episode explores the significance of merging Eastern and Western philosophical traditions to enhance the understanding of consciousness and artificial intelligence. One key point is that exploring the nature of consciousness should be connected to exploring the nature of the self, as they are intertwined. In Western philosophy, figures like Franz Brantano, John Cyril, Tom Nagel, and Ned Block have made important contributions to the philosophy of mind and consciousness. However, in Indian philosophy, thinkers like Adi Shankaracharya challenge the Western assumptions that consciousness must be intentionally structured, digital, and full of qualities. The episode also highlights the relevance of incorporating non-Western traditions, such as Advaita Vedanta and Samkhya, into contemporary debates on consciousness and artificial intelligence.
Expanding the Notion of Consciousness by Incorporating Different Traditions
Another key point from the podcast episode is the need to broaden the concept of consciousness by considering different traditions. By including ideas from Indian philosophy, like Advaita Vedanta and Samkhya, alongside Western philosophical concepts of consciousness, one can explore questions about consciousness in AI and machines more comprehensively. Mary Alba Hari's work suggests that integrating ideas from Indian philosophy can offer potential solutions to challenges like the combination problem and the understanding of panpsychism. By expanding the range of questions and concepts used to examine consciousness, researchers can gain a more nuanced understanding of the nature of consciousness and its relationship to different forms of intelligence.
Anand Vaidya, prof. of philosophy at San Jose State University, talks about consciousness, Gnosticism, non-dualism, and the misconceptions about Eastern philosophies.
