The Thomistic Institute
Can Machines be People, Too? | Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P.
Apr 1, 2025
Fr. Anselm Ramelow, a professor of philosophy at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, dives into the intriguing question of whether machines can possess personhood. He argues that true consciousness, unity, and desire are inherently human qualities that machines lack. The discussion touches on the complexities of human experience, the philosophy of technology, and contrasts human understanding with machine processing. By examining intentionality and the uniqueness of human thought, Fr. Ramelow emphasizes the profound distinctions between artificial intelligence and genuine human intellect.
52:30
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Quick takeaways
- Fr. Anselm Ramelow emphasizes that AI lacks the essential qualities of consciousness and intentionality, differentiating machines from true human personhood.
- The podcast argues against the reductionist view of consciousness, highlighting that subjective experiences cannot be fully explained by physical processes or machine functionality.
Deep dives
The Nature of Consciousness and AI
The podcast delves into the distinction between human consciousness and artificial intelligence, arguing that performance alone does not equate to genuine understanding or being. Computers and AI can simulate human behaviors and outperform humans in various tasks, yet they lack the essential qualities that define human existence. This difference is emphasized by discussing examples like jokes, where AI may be able to mimic humor, but does not possess the understanding or emotional resonance that a human does. Therefore, the essence of consciousness is not about functionality but about a qualitative experience that remains unique to humans.
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