Ned Block

Ned Block, a distinguished philosopher and Silver Professor at NYU, dives into the complex nature of consciousness. He emphasizes the distinction between phenomenal and access consciousness, challenging the limits of the Turing Test. Block critiques computational functionalism, arguing that physical mechanisms may be essential for true consciousness. They explore whether AI could ever truly be conscious and discuss the moral implications of consciousness in machines. Block's insights shed light on the evolving conversation around what it means to be aware.

Ned Block, a Silver Professor of Philosophy and Psychology at NYU, dives into the perplexities of consciousness and artificial intelligence. He critiques the Turing Test and discusses its shortcomings in assessing AI like ChatGPT. The conversation spans interesting concepts such as blindsight, the connection between seeing and thinking, and the provocative thought experiments that challenge our understanding of intelligence. Block also reflects on his own philosophical influences, making for a deeply engaging dialogue.

Philosopher Ned Block discusses perception, cognition, and consciousness in his latest book. Topics include the limitations of AI achieving consciousness, theories of consciousness, the non-conceptual aspect of perception, distinctions between phenomenal and access consciousness, challenges in higher order theories of consciousness, panpsychism, building machines with chemical neurotransmitters, and the concept of substituting biological elements with silicon chips.