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Murray Shanahan: What are Conscious Exotica? Consciousness, AI & the Space of Possible Minds
Mind-Body Solution
Exploring Consciousness in 'Ex Machina'
The concept of consciousness in 'Ex Machina' is deliberately left ambiguous, ultimately fostering interpretation rather than providing a definitive answer. The film invites the audience to question Ava's consciousness, especially through the director's own perspective, which suggests that her final smile may indicate genuine awareness. However, this perspective does not dictate a conclusive answer, but rather emphasizes the film's artistic intent to remain open to interpretation. This characteristic aligns with literature that similarly refrains from providing clear truths, such as Henry James's 'The Turn of the Screw,' where ambiguity leaves space for varied interpretations. Additionally, an omitted scene from the script intended to portray the inner workings of Ava's mind adds another layer of complexity. Had it been included, it might have further complicated viewers’ perceptions of her consciousness. Ultimately, the film's lack of clear resolution and reliance on audience interpretation is what enriches its exploration of consciousness.
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