Ep. 236 - The Problem of Other Minds and Artificial Intelligence w/Dr. Mike Huemer
Jun 19, 2023
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Dr. Mike Huemer, a philosophy professor renowned for his insights on the problem of other minds, joins the discussion to unravel complex topics. They explore whether emotions in artificial intelligence are genuine or mere mimicry. Huemer critiques traditional approaches to understanding consciousness in both humans and animals. The engaging dialogue delves into the challenges of inferring mental states from behavior, alongside philosophical inquiries about the nature of belief and perception across species.
Dr. Huemer argues against traditional perceptions of the problem of other minds, advocating for an inference to the best explanation instead.
The podcast discusses the complexities of attributing genuine consciousness to artificial intelligence, emphasizing behavioral mimicry versus intrinsic mental states.
A rigorous empirical framework is essential for evaluating consciousness in others, highlighting the limitations of anecdotal evidence and the need for observable proof.
Deep dives
The Problem of Other Minds
The philosophical problem of other minds revolves around how we can know that other beings possess minds like our own. It raises the challenge of justifying our belief in the consciousness of others despite having direct access only to our own mental states. For instance, while one might observe another individual behaving in a manner consistent with having a mind, it doesn’t definitively establish that they have genuine mental experiences. The discussion emphasizes the inadequacy of relying solely on behavioral evidence without a robust theory to explain how we arrive at the belief that others have minds.
Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness
The conversation explores whether artificial intelligence (AI) can possess consciousness and what criteria would justify such a belief. It suggests that if AI is designed to exhibit behaviors that mimic human consciousness, it might be tempting to attribute genuine mental states to it. However, without a deeper understanding of the processes behind its behavior, one should be cautious in making such attributions, as the mechanical workings may reflect the intent of its creators rather than intrinsic conscious states. Ultimately, differentiating between genuine consciousness and complex simulations becomes a critical point in the discourse on the nature of AI.
Empirical Evidence and Consciousness
The idea that empirical evidence should guide our beliefs about consciousness is prominent in the discussion. A key highlight is the challenge of identifying definitive empirical evidence that could support the existence of consciousness in another being, whether human or artificial. While anecdotal experiences such as near-death experiences (NDEs) might be reported, they often fall short of providing verifiable evidence that can be assessed objectively. The need for observable and repeatable evidence, combined with the consideration of alternative explanations, emphasizes the importance of a rigorous empirical framework in evaluating consciousness.
The Role of Dualism in Understanding Conscious Minds
Dualism emerges in the discussion as a critical perspective in explaining consciousness and mental states. The notion posits that minds are distinct from physical entities, adding depth to the problem of other minds by suggesting that mental phenomena cannot be fully explained through physical processes alone. Within this framework, the mind's immaterial nature means that mental states possess qualities that cannot be replicated purely through observable physical behavior. Consequently, exploring dualism allows for a richer understanding of how we might infer consciousness in others, even when empirical access is limited.
Implications of Population Growth on Souls
The hypothetical situation of a growing population exceeding the number of existing souls raises intriguing questions about the nature of consciousness and identity. If the population were to surpass the number of souls believed to exist, it suggests a scenario where some souls may inhabit multiple bodies or that reincarnation might take place. This idea leads to discussions about the implications for individual identity and the nature of experiences across different bodies. Ultimately, these considerations challenge traditional views on the exclusivity of souls and the philosophical ramifications of an expanding human experience.
Theoretical Limitations on Artificial Consciousness
There are theoretical limits regarding the potential for creating conscious beings through artificial means, emphasizing that genuine consciousness may require specific biological substrates. The conversation highlights the uncertainty surrounding the question of whether non-organic materials, such as silicon, could ever support consciousness comparable to biological organisms. Without fully understanding the fundamental properties that give rise to consciousness, the ability to replicate such experiences artificially remains speculative. This uncertainty underscores the complexities around defining and attributing consciousness, both in humans and potential artificial entities.
In episode 236 of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined once again by philosophy professor, Dr. Mike Huemer. This time we discuss an invited paper he wrote on the problem of other minds--which he originally wrote as an undergrad senior thesis under John Searle (which is pretty cool). Huemer argues against analogy and perceptional solutions to the problem of justifying our knowledge of other minds and puts forth an inference to the best explanation instead. We also get into whether or not ants, dogs, and robots have minds and how we might go about deciding. Check the time stamps for the full list of topics we discussed.
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10:59 - Perceptual Theory of other minds
26:46 - Inference to the Best Explanation as justification for believing in other minds
33:20 - Why Can't we use IBE to justify belief in Robot Minds?
36:12 - Is mental sharing possible?
37:24 - Epiphenomenalism
41:50 - Mind-Brain Identity theory
46:50 - Contra Functionalism(s)
56:35 - Philosophical Zombies
1:00:27 - Qualia and Functionalism
1:02:55 - Do Dogs Have Minds and Know Things?
1:17:58 - Can We Prove that Robots Have Minds?
1:27:47 - Eternal Immaterial Souls and Super Intelligence
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