Ep. 239 - Philosophical Constraints on Building Artificial Intelligence w/Dr. Josh Rasmussen
Jul 6, 2023
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Dr. Josh Rasmussen discusses philosophical constraints on building artificial intelligence, highlighting the challenges of creating consciousness. Topics include patternist and computational theories of the mind, the importance of understanding the material from which consciousness emerges, differences between having consciousness and being conscious in AI, hardware vs. software views in AI development, and the implications of 3D printed consciousness.
Consciousness involves qualitative aspects beyond mere functional patterns, challenging our understanding of personal identity.
First-person awareness reveals complexities of consciousness that computational explanations cannot fully capture.
Identity based on patterns faces dilemmas when atomic parts are exchanged, posing questions on individual identity.
The distinction between qualitative and functional aspects of consciousness is crucial for comprehending its complexities.
Deep dives
Functional Aspects of Consciousness
Consciousness has functional aspects that are observable through neural correlates and functional connections. While these functional aspects are essential, there are also qualitative aspects of consciousness that cannot be solely reduced to functional patterns.
Challenges of Purely Functional Analysis
One of the challenges to a purely functional or patternist analysis is the existence of qualitative aspects of consciousness that are directly accessible through first-person awareness. These qualitative aspects, such as the experience of specific thoughts or emotions, cannot be fully captured by functional or computational explanations.
Identity and the Pattern vs. Parts Dilemma
A critical dilemma arises when considering identity based on patterns versus identity based on individual parts. If one's atomic parts were to be swapped with another individual's parts while still maintaining the same pattern, questions of personal identity and continuity arise. Identity as a pattern faces complexities when atomic parts are exchanged, leading to challenges in defining individual identity.
Qualitative Aspects and First-Person Data
The distinction between qualitative aspects of consciousness and purely functional or computational components is essential. First-person data, such as the immediate experience of specific thoughts or emotions, underscores the complexities of consciousness that extend beyond functional or computational analyses.
Construction of Consciousness: The Challenge of Constructing Thoughts and Feelings
The podcast delves into the complexities of constructing thoughts, intentions, and feelings. It highlights the distinct challenges involved in creating and understanding conscious mental states, emphasizing that these aspects of consciousness present unique problems for explanation.
Unities of Consciousness: Achieving Perspectival Unity and Subject Unity
The discussion explores the unification of different contents of consciousness within a single perspective, known as perspectival unity. It also delves into the concept of subject unity, where multiple perspectives or states of consciousness are unified into a single subject. This analysis sheds light on the intricate nature of consciousness and highlights the importance of internal awareness in shaping unity.
Powers of Consciousness: Addressing the Challenge of Mental Causation
The episode navigates through the concept of mental causation, specifically focusing on how mental activity can influence conscious states. It raises questions about the nature of mental powers and the causal relationship between consciousness and physical reality. By exploring the complexities of mental causation, the podcast offers insights into the fundamental role of consciousness in shaping our experiences and interactions with the world.
In episode 239 of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined for the third time by Dr. Josh Rasmussen. This time we talk about some philosophical constraints on creating consciousness. We discuss patternist and computational theories of the mind and Josh explains why structure alone isn't sufficient for creating consciousness. Check the time stamps for the specifics.
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6:18 - the construction challenge: C.U.P.
9:54 - Artificial Intelligence and Emergent Consciousness
16:20 - Motivating Patternism/Functionalism
35:25 - Contents of Consciousness
45:53 - Eliminativism vs. Reductionism about Qualia
54:42 - Computationalism, Identity, Brain Uploading
1:08:07 - Perspectival Unity of Consciousness Challenge
1:14:20 - Subject Unity of Consciousness Challenge
1:19:11 - The Combination Problem for Neuromorphic Chips
1:25:16 - You need Things to Make a Pattern
1:27:10 - Powers of Consciousness Challenge
1:37:55 - Habituation and Dispositions to Act
1:40:20 - Brains, Books, and Non-occurent thoughts, and Angels
1:45:55 - You are not your thoughts
1:49:54 - Can the AI Folks Construct a Conscious Substance?
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