Is anything objective? Philosophy of mind, Biophilia, and why A.I. is not what we think with Inês Hipólito
Jun 5, 2024
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Philosopher Inês Hipólito explores the dangers of the computational theory of mind and the role of AI in our environment. They discuss critical thinking, enaction, technology, and the need for sustainable, interconnected living. Emphasizing transparency and inclusivity in AI technologies, they call for a holistic approach to philosophy and technology that fosters a sustainable future.
Viewing the mind as a Turing machine shaped AI development and perception.
Inês emphasizes the necessity for culturally sensitive, transparent, and inclusive AI technologies.
Reconnecting with nature is crucial for well-being and shaping culturally sensitive AI development.
Deep dives
The Historical Development of Computational Theory of Mind
The podcast discusses the historical progression from viewing the mind through the lens of Turing machines to the modularity of the mind and the computational theory of mind, emphasizing how considering the mind as computational provided a useful toolkit for understanding brain processes in terms of inputs, outputs, and thoughts.
Ines' Journey into Philosophy and Neuroscience
Ines shares her journey into philosophy and neuroscience, highlighting how her mandatory high school philosophy education in Portugal shifted her focus from psychology to philosophy. She recalls grappling with questions about objective perception, leading to a shift towards philosophy and a deep interest in the philosophy of mind.
Exploring Inactivism and Ecological Psychology
The conversation delves into Ines' exploration of inactivism and its connections to Buddhist philosophy and Western analytic philosophy of mind. She discusses the different branches of inactivism, such as embodied inactivism and radical inactivism, and how these approaches provide valuable toolkits for understanding and informing scientific experiments related to the mind.
AI, Philosophy, and Social Cultural Influences
The discussion shifts to the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) within the framework of ecological cognition. Ines highlights the interplay between technology and AI with human social-cultural practices, emphasizing accountability and the socio-cultural shaping of AI. She warns against viewing AI as an independent entity separate from human involvement, as it can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and potentially hinder societal progress.
AI Impact on Cultural Practices and Identities
AI technology's influence on cultural practices and identities is highlighted in the podcast, emphasizing the intertwining relationship between social cultural norms and the development of AI tools. The discussion delves into the notion that because AI reflects the values and priorities of society, understanding this link is crucial. By recognizing the social and cultural influences on AI design and development, an awareness of accountability and responsibility emerges early in the AI life cycle, prompting questions about benefits, accessibility, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity. The podcast advocates for viewing AI as a cyclical process deeply connected to human choices, values, and actions.
Biophilic Deficiency and Reconnecting with Nature
The concept of biophilic deficiency syndrome is explored in connection to our limited perspective on nature within a computational theory of mind framework. Discussing the importance of our embeddedness in nature for overall well-being, the podcast underscores the need to reconnect with nature as a vital component of human health. It calls for a shift towards understanding human-environment dynamics as integral to shaping AI development and fostering a culturally sensitive AI that accounts for global diversity and inclusivity. The conversation touches on the potential for AI to enhance understanding and empathy by acknowledging diverse lived experiences and phenomenological perspectives.
Is anything objective? Philosophers Inês Hipólito and Andrea discuss how Inês became a philosopher and in so doing, discuss the computational theory of mind, critical thinking in the digital age, Wittgenstein, enaction, and how AI might contribute to our understanding of our environment. They move into a holistic perspective on technology, humanity, and nature, emphasizing the need for a philosophy and a technology that rekindles our ecological roots and fosters sustainable, interconnected living. Beginning with the impact of viewing the mind as a Turing machine, it emphasizes how this perspective has shaped the development and perception of AI and LLMs as entities with human-like consciousness and autonomy and calls for culturally sensitive, transparent, inclusive AI technologies that can foster a sustainable, interconnected future.
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00:00 Exploring the Dangers of Computational Theory of Mind 02:16 A Warm Welcome and the Power of Philosophy 02:40 The Philosophical Journey Begins: From Portugal to Neuroscience 04:56 Diving Deep into Philosophy: Questions That Shape a Career 07:10 The Intersection of Eastern Philosophy and Cognitive Science 09:20 Enaction and Its Philosophical Roots 21:51 The Role of Philosophy in Science and the Importance of Critical Thinking 38:33 Embracing Change: The Dynamical Systems Approach 42:38 Exploring the Philosophical Foundations of Experience 43:40 Bridging Phenomenology, Ecological Psychology, and Wittgenstein 45:16 The Intersection of Technology, AI, and Cognitive Science 46:42 AI's Societal Impact and the Importance of a Philosophical Approach 49:30 Challenging the Computational Theory of Mind 53:42 The Role of Philosophy in Unraveling AI's Complexities 01:03:29 Reimagining AI Through Active Inference and Environmental Sensitivity 01:21:22 Concluding Thoughts on Objectivity, Diversity, and the Future of AI …the dangers of A.I. are not what you think