Michael Levin: What is Synthbiosis? Diverse Intelligence Beyond AI & The Space of Possible Minds
Jun 26, 2024
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Michael Levin, a Distinguished Professor in Biology, discusses Synthbiosis and diverse intelligence beyond AI. Topics include creating high-level general intelligences, ethical implications, evolution of problem-solving agents, and the self as a dynamical construct. The podcast explores memory traces, recognized symmetry in body and mind building, and the value of scientific communities. It also touches on diverse intelligence definitions, existential dating, ethics, compassion in tech advancements, and ethical considerations in intelligence and consciousness.
Intelligence extends beyond AI to diverse substrates, challenging conventional recognition norms.
Exploring emergent cognition in simple systems encourages open-mindedness and humility in understanding complexity.
Ethical considerations in attributing cognition to various entities promote compassion and responsible behavior towards unconventional intelligences.
Deep dives
Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Humanity's Future
Discussing the influence of AI on the forefront of current technological advancements, the podcast delves into a paper detailing the potential implications of AI on society. It raises concerns about AI's ability to supplant humans both individually and societally, emphasizing the need to consider the profound changes AI could bring.
Reflections on Human Existential Concerns and Evolutionary Shifts
The episode transitions into a discussion on human existential worries and the impact of evolving intelligence on societal paradigms. It suggests that fundamental human dilemmas, such as trust, understanding, and adaptation, are not unique to AI's emergence but are ancient human issues. The conversation challenges listeners to consider the inevitability of being replaced and the importance of shaping future intelligence.
Rethinking Intelligence and Embodiment Beyond Biological Constraints
The podcast explores the concept of diverse intelligence, advocating for a broader understanding of intelligence beyond traditional biological limitations. It highlights the potential for intelligence in varied substrates and scales, emphasizing the need to shift perspectives on intelligence recognition and embodiment. The episode encourages contemplating intelligence in unconventional contexts.
Challenging Reductionist Views and Uncovering Unseen Cognitive Capabilities
The discussion challenges reductionist tendencies by revealing unexpected cognitive capacities in simple systems, transcending traditional mechanical interpretations. It underscores the importance of exploring emergent cognition and goals in minimal entities, advocating for humility and open-mindedness in understanding complex phenomena. The podcast stresses the significance of empirical evidence and experimental approaches in uncovering new insights.
Recognizing Intelligence in Unfamiliar Guises
Recognizing intelligence beyond familiar forms is crucial. The episode discusses the importance of distinguishing between different entities' cognitive capabilities, including interactions between humans and potential extraterrestrial beings with unique cognitive faculties. It emphasizes the need to broaden perspectives on intelligence across diverse life forms and environments, posing ethical and philosophical questions about communication, responsibility, and understanding varied cognitive frames.
Fostering Compassion and Ethical Considerations
Promoting compassion and ethical behavior towards all sentient beings is highlighted. The discussion delves into the ethical implications of attributing cognition to different entities, cautioning against both overestimating and underestimating the agency and consciousness of beings. The episode stresses the significance of expressing compassion and kindness widely, despite uncertainties about consciousness origins and the evolving understanding of diverse forms of intelligence, advocating for a compassionate, responsible approach to shaping future interactions with unconventional sentient beings.
Michael Levin is a Distinguished Professor in the Biology department at Tufts University and associate faculty at the Wyss Institute for Bioinspired Engineering at Harvard University. He holds the Vannevar Bush endowed Chair and serves as director of the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts and the Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology. Prior to college, Michael Levin worked as a software engineer and independent contractor in the field of scientific computing. He attended Tufts University, interested in artificial intelligence and unconventional computation. To explore the algorithms by which the biological world implemented complex adaptive behavior, he got dual B.S. degrees, in CS and in Biology and then received a PhD from Harvard University. He did post-doctoral training at Harvard Medical School, where he began to uncover a new bioelectric language by which cells coordinate their activity during embryogenesis. His independent laboratory develops new molecular-genetic and conceptual tools to probe large-scale information processing in regeneration, embryogenesis, and cancer suppression.
TIMESTAMPS:
(0:00) - Introduction
(1:41) - Creating High-level General Intelligences
(7:00) - Ethical implications of Diverse Intelligence beyond AI & LLMs
(10:30) - Solving the Fundamental Paradox that faces all Species
(15:00) - Evolution creates Problem Solving Agents & the Self is a Dynamical Construct
(23:00) - Mike on Stephen Grossberg
(26:20) - A Formal Definition of Diverse Intelligence (DI)
(30:50) - Intimate relationships with AI? Importance of Cognitive Light Cones
(38:00) - Cyborgs, hybrids, chimeras, & a new concept called "Synthbiosis"
(45:51) - Importance of the symbiotic relationship between Science & Philosophy
(53:00) - The Space of Possible Minds
(58:30) - Is Mike Playing God?
(1:02:45) - A path forward: through the ethics filter for civilization
(1:09:00) - Mike on Daniel Dennett (RIP)
(1:14:02) - An Ethical Synthbiosis that goes beyond "are you real or faking it"
(1:25:47) - Conclusion
EPISODE LINKS:
- Mike's Round 1: https://youtu.be/v6gp-ORTBlU
- Mike's Round 2: https://youtu.be/kMxTS7eKkNM
- Mike's Website: https://drmichaellevin.org/
- Blog Website: https://thoughtforms.life
- Mike's Publications: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=luouyakAAAAJ&hl=en
- Mike's NOEMA piece: https://www.noemamag.com/ai-could-be-a-bridge-toward-diverse-intelligence/
- Stephen Grossberg: https://youtu.be/bcV1eSgByzg
- Mark Solms: https://youtu.be/rkbeaxjAZm4
- VPRO Roundtable: https://youtu.be/RVrnn7QW6Jg?feature=shared
CONNECT:
- Website: https://tevinnaidu.com
- Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/drtevinnaidu
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drtevinnaidu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drtevinnaidu
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtevinnaidu
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtevinnaidu
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only. The content is shared in the spirit of open discourse and does not constitute, nor does it substitute, professional or medical advice. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening/watching any of our contents. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Listeners/viewers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with their own experts in the respective fields.
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