Ray Nayler - What Octopuses and AI Teach Us About Consciousness

In this book, Peter Godfrey-Smith delves into the evolution of intelligence and consciousness, particularly in cephalopods such as octopuses and cuttlefish. He argues that these creatures represent an independent experiment in the evolution of large brains and complex behavior, distinct from the evolutionary paths of vertebrates. Godfrey-Smith draws on his own scuba-diving experiences and the latest scientific research to explore how these animals' unique neural structures, including decentralized brain-like systems in their arms, enable their remarkable intelligence and adaptability. The book also reflects on the broader implications for understanding human consciousness and the nature of subjective experience.