Ep. 231 - How to Tell When Babies and Machines Are Conscious w/Dr. Claudia Passos
May 18, 2023
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Dr. Claudia Passos, an Assistant Professor of Bioethics with dual PhDs in psychology and philosophy, dives into the nuanced topic of consciousness in both infants and machines. She explores how we assess consciousness without verbal communication, discussing the challenges of infant pain perception and reflexive actions. The conversation also delves into philosophical theories of consciousness, including Integrated Information Theory, and raises ethical questions about AI's potential moral status. A fascinating blend of science and philosophy awaits!
The podcast explores the complexities of determining infant consciousness through behavioral and neurobiological markers, emphasizing the challenges in distinguishing reflexive actions from conscious experiences.
A significant theme discussed is the relationship between language acquisition and self-consciousness, highlighting how language enhances reflective capabilities and aids in understanding consciousness.
The episode raises critical ethical questions about AI and consciousness, examining the implications of machine sentience and the moral status of non-human entities.
Deep dives
Concerns About AI and Philosophy Careers
There are growing concerns regarding the impact of AI on the job market for philosophers. As AI technologies advance, questions arise about whether philosophers will be replaced by systems that can generate philosophical arguments and papers. The discourse suggests that while AI may handle certain cognitive operations, asking fundamental questions about life, ethics, and existence remains a uniquely human endeavor. Ultimately, though AI may take over some teaching roles, the capacity for deep philosophical reflection might still preserve academic positions.
Exploring Infant Consciousness
The episode delves into the complexities surrounding the concept of consciousness in infants. It emphasizes the difficulty in determining when infants become conscious and what evidence can be used to support this. Notably, behaviors such as crying are discussed as potential indicators, yet the challenge lies in distinguishing between reflexive actions and conscious experiences. The conversation further notes the importance of understanding neural correlates and behavioral markers, particularly how these concepts may relate to developing theories of consciousness.
The Distribution Problem of Consciousness
A significant issue in consciousness studies is known as the distribution problem, which addresses how consciousness may be present across different beings, including humans and non-human animals. The discussion highlights the need for observational methodologies to assess consciousness in beings that lack verbal communication, such as infants. Critically, it examines how methodologies used to detect consciousness in adults may not be applicable to younger individuals or animals, creating a gap in our understanding of when consciousness emerges. Thus, philosophers and scientists alike face the challenge of establishing reliable criteria for consciousness across various creatures.
The Role of Language in Self-Consciousness
The podcast examines the correlation between language acquisition and self-consciousness, proposing that language plays a vital role in developing higher order reflections about one’s own thoughts and experiences. It discusses whether non-linguistic animals possess self-awareness without language and explores how language may enhance reflective capabilities. The conversation touches on relevant theories in philosophy that suggest a bridge between linguistic abilities and consciousness. This discourse raises questions about the distinctions between different forms of consciousness across species.
Comparing Theories of Consciousness
The episode portrays various philosophical and scientific theories that explain consciousness, including first order representationalism and higher order thought theories. It highlights how these theories strive to account for what consciousness is and how it functions within different agents. The implications of these theories for understanding infant and artificial intelligence consciousness are discussed, debating whether similar frameworks can be applied. This exploration also includes the necessary criteria for consciousness, indicating the intricate relationship between philosophical perspectives and empirical research.
Prospects of Conscious AI
The discussion includes the intriguing question of whether AI can achieve consciousness and what form that might take. There is an acknowledgment that while AI may replicate certain cognitive processes, achieving a form of consciousness analogous to humans could present distinct challenges. The potential for consciousness in machines raises questions about moral status and ethical considerations. Thus, the episode encourages deeper reflection on the future of AI technologies and their implications for understanding sentience and rights in non-human entities.
In episode 231 of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Claudia Passos to discuss her talk from Mind Fest 2023 at Florida Atlantic University, the official opening of the Center for the Future Mind. We discuss two different approaches to solving the problem of infant consciousness (the problem of determining that they are in fact conscious): the behavioral/neurobiological markers approach and the theory approach. After we discussed the former we dove into 2 philosophical theories of consciousness and 2 scientific approaches. We then go deep into the philosophy of AI and how we might be able to tell if and when they become conscious. Check the time stamps for specific topics.
Claudia Passos-Ferreira is Assistant Professor of Bioethics. She studied psychology at the Rio de Janeiro State University and earned her MA and Ph.D. in the program of Human Sciences and Health Sciences in Public Health there. She obtained a second Ph.D. in Philosophy at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Find out more from Claudia here: https://publichealth.nyu.edu/faculty/claudia-maria-passos-ferreira
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16:19 - The Distribution and Infant Consciousness Problems
21:30 - Why 3rd person methods are insufficient
29:16 - What is 'Pain'?
36:57 - The Problem of Other Minds
42:19 - Are Infants Super-Actors?
49:35 - philosophical theories of consciousness
54:46 - first order representationalism and infant consciousness
59:36 - Higher Order Thoughts and infant consciousness
1:11:18 - Integrated Information Theory of consciousness
1:17:57 - Global Workspace Theory of Consciousness
1:27:42 - Is Consciousness all or nothing?
1:30:13 - Consciousness and Moral Status?
1:34:28 - Are Conscious Machines Metaphysically Possible?
1:37:54 - How Could We Know If a Machine Was Conscious?
1:42:50 - Machine Consciousness and Theories of Mind
1:50:36 - Will Machine Take Our Philosophy Jobs?
1:54:39 - Will Machines like Guarana Antarctica?
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