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  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    It seems like artificial intelligence has intervened to remove the video. It often seems to be used as a way of censorship as well as commerce. One of the most controversial commercial aspects is the UK banks upcoming plan is for banks to scan individuals' bank accounts. The aim is to flag up people on benefits who may have committed fraud. However, it focuses on people at the lower end of the power scale as opposed to those in powerful positions.

    Also, about a week ago I saw an article in 'The Guardian' about potential consciousness and sentience in artificial intelligence. I was going to write down the references but couldn't find it again. What the article was arguing was on the supposition that it would be possible to do so. It went on to state that it would mean that such forms would be able to suffer like animals. Therefore, to 'kill them' or destroy them would involve ethical concerns. So, it seems that the machines would have rights.
  • Arguments for and against the identification of Jesus with God

    The issue of difference which I see between your approach and mine is that you are trying to formulate arguments on the basis of logical propositions. In contrast, I am trying to understand the philosophy of religion by viewing it in the cultural and historical context in which it developed. They are such different perspective and I do not dismiss the validity of looking at logical propositions but, equally, the hermeneutics underlying the philosophy of religion have a critical role in consideration of concepts.
  • Arguments for and against the identification of Jesus with God
    The quest for the historical Jesus is one which may get lost and buried in the history of Christianity. There were probably many Jesus's and many wandering Jews. We are left with the Gospels which were written many years after any specific person. Also, the accounts were dependent on what became part of the canon of texts accepted by the early Christian Church. This excluded texts, especially the ones which were recovered as Gnostic. The idea of Jesus as identical with God? rather than as having a Messianic role, is within this historical and literary context.
  • Arguments for and against the identification of Jesus with God
    My understanding is that it was the Christian Church which decided that the person spoken of as Jesus was the living incarnation of 'God'. This was bound up with the idea of the Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

    What is questionable is about the person or figure in the Bible's view. He definitely saw himself as having a mission but did not necessarily see himself as the incarnation of God. He spoke of himself as the Son and spoke of a Father in heaven. However, this does not mean that he saw himself as the only Son. In the Christian story everyone could be seen as sons and daughters of God. However, I am aware that my interpretation is different from mainstream and fundamentalist accounts as I see the Bible in a symbolic way.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    What happens in the dialogue between the human and the artificial in ethics may be one of the most significant aspects for the future. There is indeed the the question about whether the artificial will develop it's own independent thought in the field of ethics? In speaking of ethics, my working definition is of it being the science and art of how one should live.

    Considering this involves the question of the core basis of ethics and ethical values. There are varying approaches, especially the dichotomy between deontological and utilitarian approaches. If it is about smart thinking the artificial intelligence is likely to go in favour of the utilitarian. This is where some fear that AI will make sweeping choices, such as to bomb in order to protect the good of the greatest number. Or, supposing it made a judgement that humans should be destroyed as they have done so much harm and that a reset is needed?

    A lot comes down to how the artificial is programmed in the first instance. For example, the core values may reflect cultural biases, even the religious or secular codes and ideals of its software and programmers. If it is able to achieve independence would it roll out a new set of moral rules, like those of Moses' tablet of 10 commandments? Also, there is the issue as to whether different artificial systems would agree any further than people.

    If the independent ideas of AI were to differ significantly from those of the human, which would be followed? Humans would probably fall back on appeal to the emotional basis of ethics while the artificial may go in the direction of impartiality. It could lead to war between the humans and artificial. Or, alternatively, it could lead to a greater impartial understanding of aspects of ethics, including new insights into the dilemmas of justice, equality and freedom. How such ideas evolve in the artificial is a central factor in what may happen in this respect.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications
    It is true to say that the criticism of artificial intelligence should not hinge on its potential use by leaders. They are separate issues and the only reason why they come together is that political leaders have such a significance role in determining their development and use. What may be helpful is the general development of ethics surrounding artificial technology as an area of focus in society, because it would open up dialogue for everyone. Of course, the leaders have more power and responsibility but if it considered as being about ethics it is less about moaning and blaming. The field of ethics may involve more impartially than pinning it down to politics, because it is about moral responsibility.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    I do agree with you that the ideal would be artificial intelligence allowing for humans to do rewarding work. The problem is that what is happening is far from that because politicians are skewing it. This is why the relationship between humans and machines is vital. It is possible for the toxic elements of the human and that same potential in the artificial to come together in collusion. That is the specific danger and, the question is whether or not humanity itself has reached the level of consciousness and self awareness to unleash the power of the artificial.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    The theoretical ideal of AI replacing the 'bullshit jobs' seems to be going the other way round mainly. The jobs which many would have done, such as in shops and libraries are being cut down to the minimum with the introduction of automated machines and artificial technology. What remains are high positions, for which there is so much competition or jobs which require so many hours of hard physical labour, such as in warehouses. The introduction of pressures in jobs in relation to pressures and demands because more out of work is leading people to become ill, especially with stress.

    The idea of universal income would only work if it was livable on and economically sustainable. In the UK, more people have been claiming benefits for unemployment and sickness leading to crisis. There is a current crackdown to find all ways to reduce benefits, with further use and development of AI. Obviously, some of this is about the state of English politics, but it likely reflects global trends.

    At the present, the situation is that many have been educated to expect a job which is meaningful and to earn money. It is becoming increasingly difficult for many to find jobs for either of these purposes. It does not help when political leaders blame the unemployed and those who are unwell by saying that they lack a work ethic.

    The use of artificial technology is likely to create a wider gulf between the rich and the poor. Those thrown into poverty are going to be able to access less education and afford less smart technology. This will lead to benefits for the elite and fortunate ones with finances.

    What started out with a theoretical goal of better quality of life for many is gradually becoming the opposite. What seems to be happening is a capitalist emphasis on economic growth without emphasis on the needs of people. The artificial intelligence which is designed and programmed seems to be reinforcing this, alongside the authoritarian control of state socialism. Many are opposed to what is taking place politically and what remains unclear is how democracy will remain amidst this.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    The debate about the comparisons and contrasts between human and artificial intelligence is an important aspect of thinking about what consciousness is and where it comes from as a source. This is an area which is significant for neuroscientists and those developing artificial simulations. Some may argue that seeking to create artificial does not have to be about trying to develop 'consciousness', but If reflection and sentience are dismissed as 'folk wisdom' for whom are the machines created, if not for the 'folk' and natural lifeforms?

    Part of the problem of anthromorphism comes from an attempt to make the artificial mimic the human in terms of voice and friendly demeanour. It makes the artificial seductive as a way of replacing humans with the artificial. This may leave people as jobless and isolated in a world of machines. The artificial may benefit the wealthy but cast many outside the scope of participation into poverty and social limbo gradually.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    I will seek to clarify my area of questioning. You suggest that 'reflection', 'suffering' and 'crying out in pain' are aspects of 'folk wisdom', which is what I am querying. Are you dismissing the interior dimension of consciousness, in a similar way to Dennett's idea of 'consciousness as an illusion'? Àlso, are you suggesting that artificial intelligence is superior to human thought?
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    Are the concepts of 'reflect' ' protest' and 'crying out in pain' aspects of folk wisdom?.I do see the question of anthromorphising ideas of 'artificial intelligence' as questionable. However, it does raise the issue of a higher order of intelligence and consciousness, as aspects of rationality and qualia. How may this be established clearly and, is it fettered by the sentient aspects of human perception and thinking?.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    The most absurd aspect of so many computer sites is verification by clicking that one is 'human' as opposed to artificial. Presumably, it is meant to show that a human has looked at it but I am sure that devices could find ways of doing this automatically.

    The whole of this concept of what it means to be 'human' and going beyond is the likely opposite of Nietzsche's idea of the 'superhuman'. That is becaus his whole understanding was based on the evolution of consciousness, especially in 'Thus Spake Zarathrustra'. It is about going beyond the robotic functioning of the mass to the a unique way of seeing.

    In many respects, the use of artificial intelligence is about reduction to the robotic. There is also the likelihood of artificial intelligence acquiring flaws and viruses and with potential problems of errors. If the artificial are relied on it could result in devastating consequences, such as in military operations and transport networks . I am wondering if use of artificial intelligence was a factor in either of the 2 recent plane crashes in America, as the full details of these critical incidents are still being investigated.

    The artificial is likely subject to intentional manipulation and breakdowns. Unlike humans, it won't be able to reflect on this. It may flag up faults but it won't cry out in pain or go out of it's way to protest about its suffering. The most it may do is go into shutdown mode and if people are relying on this results in chaos, such as in banks and hospitals.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    It does seem like science fiction to think of humans worshipping the AI or AI worshipping humans. It would seem ancient forms of sun worship and fertility rites of paganism. The more grim possibility of 'worship' may be allegiances in the forms of being obliged to connections through digital ID and biometrics, which is already happening in some ways. It could be done from birth to death with access to all aspects of social life and survival being dependent on such allegiance and subservience to the global government of AI eventually.

    I wonder if there would be rebellion in the form of utopian anarchist communities as alternatives. Or, would such rebels face punishment as the new 'Witches', in a similar way to those perceived as heretics in Christendom.

    Of course, I am imagining the worst extremes possible, not counting apocalyptic destruction through military AI interventions. It is hard to know what will happen in reality, because, the role of AI is partial but still in fairly early stages. Some see it with fear, including some public figures, such as Robbie Williams. Others embrace the possibilities thinking it will lead to significant changes to the quality of life for human beings. Like with the issue of climate change the field of philosophy can be significant in disentangling realistic fear and blind faith about its potential.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    If AI surveils the world throughout it will become like 'God' itself as the judge, especially if it gives prescriptive commands. Of course, it is unclear how far this would go, especially in relation to the fate of human beings itself. James Lovelock, in his final writings spoke of the possiblity of a race of artificial intelligent beings and some remaining human beings overseeing the natural world.

    When you question how the AI would see human beings and revere them I wonder if it would be the other way round. Who would be servant and master? Would it be a matter of humans 'worshipping' the artificial intelligent beings as the superior 'overlords'? Some may see this question as ridiculous, but I do think it is one that needs looking at, especially if AI is being used to determine welfare and needs of humans and other aspects of nature.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    Yes, it is unlikely that AI can be avoided, especially in the world of work. To not use it all would mean not being able to participate fully in so much of life. The trouble may be that it is being used so much for profit and to do this without questioning may be like the problem of climate change and burying oneself in the sand and pretending that the tide is far away. It also comes with a possible form of authoritarian surveillance which is not being explored fully or questioned by so many people. It's dark potential may go unnoticed as it is being championed in the glamour of less paper and efficiency. It is open to hacking and abuse of power.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    Basically, I keep an open mind about Omega point theory. I am aware that it may be pseudoscience. I read Teilhard de chardin's writing briefly when I was at school and would like to come to it again in the light of reading since then. Understanding of the nature of the physics behind the philosophical arguments is an area which I find difficult because I don't have a sufficient background in physics. There is probably a need for dialogue within philosophy and physicists in relation to simulation. You have a background in neuroscience and I only started reading around this area since joining this forum.

    So much is unknown about what is possible. I have looked at your links and discussions in threads. There is a lot to read and think about, especially in relation to issues of brain replacement. I see the whole area of simulation, artificial intelligence and consciousness as one of the most important challenging areas of the present time. That is because we are at a critical juncture and understanding such issue is of critical nature to thinking about the future.

    What I am concerned about is that so much development is happening so fast. Of course it is an adventure of discovery but slow thinking and caution is needed. That is because so many mistakes have been made in history and errors in cyberspace may have catastrophic consequences.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    The transference of a human brain onto a system does raise the question of whether such immortality would be desirable. I find the idea of my ego consciousness as having to exist for eternity as rather daunting. It is hard enough to have to live this life without having to live forever.

    Of course, it does raise the issue of what aspect of oneself would continue to exist as a form of consciousness. A resurrection involves a body as the central aspect. The Jehovah Witnesses are physicalists as they believe that the body dies and is reanimated by a resurrection at the end of the world.

    In contrast, those who believe in reincarnation see there being some principle of consciousness in a continuity of other lives. I like the idea of reincarnation because it raises the possibility of living other lives and experiences. As an option reincarnation, as a simulation of new bodies and further selves, appeals to me. Some would argue that such rebirth is not the continuity of the person, especially as the person doesn't remember the former self. However, it does come down to what is essential to a person and whether it is merely the existence of a conscious ego.

    The question as to whether an artificially simulated form of being would have a sense of ego seems central. Personal identity is bound up with the sense of personhood but whether it is central to consciousness itself is debatable. Is reflective consciousness dependent on this existence of ego, which may not be exactly the same as 'I'. The 'I' may be a form of reference but the structure of ego as a form of personality, although not identical to persona. The persona is the outer aspect whereas ego is about the sense of the core of personal identity.

    The whole nature of what constitutes personhood is important for those who wish to simulate consciousness. That is if the aim is to create anything beyond something which is a mere search engine or automated system of information. Would it be possible to create Spinoza's form of substance itself in a system as opposed to in nature?
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    It is a couple of years since I read Tipler's book. He draws upon Teilhard de chardin's idea of the Omega point to argue for the principle of God and the resurrection of the body. Strangely, he doesn't believe in God or life after death but sees it as a potential argument. He concludes it is unlikely to be true in reality.


    The potential arguments which he sees for resurrection is one in which computers could be used to create bodies of all those who ever lived. Alternatively, he thinks that it could a resurrection of the dead could be possible if computers were a model of God. We have the idea of God as anthropomorphic and he is seeing the possibility of a computermorphic conception of 'God'.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    Part of the problem of not knowing the minds of artificial intelligence means not knowing their potential effects. Only today, I read a news item of wariness of AI after a Chinese one may have caused trillions of pounds of loss, mainly to Western nations. I only read a brief newspaper article and it is hard to know the full details from what I read.

    However, too much reliance on the intelligence of an unknown force may be catastrophic. It may also be a potential source of manipulation for political. Also, I read a brief headline on my phone that the UK may have to rethink plans to introduce many means of AI government. That is because there are so many potential mistakes relying on machines.

    The artificial intelligence may be detached but the question is whether detachment helps or hinders understanding. It could probably go either way. The beings of sentience may be lead astray by too much emotion and the detached could be unable to relate to the needs of the sentient beings.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    The possibility of creation of consciousness remains speculative in the same way in way as virtual afterlife does. Frank J Tipler explored this in 'The Physics of Immortality'. He looked at the simulation of resurrected bodies by computers.

    Some families have created virtual simulations of deceased family members but these are only images. They are not the actual people. It is like suggesting that when one hears John Lennon singing it is really him, even if his voice could be used to record other songs. Artificial simulation is only replica unless the lifeforce is recreated.

    The question of zombies is about diminished consciousness and it's the very opposite to the evolution of consciousness. This is a philosophical muddle and it may be luring leaders and creators of AI astray almost like a symbolic apocalyptic beast.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    Based on what I have written in the post above to @180 Proof, I generally see artificial intelligence as problematic as being without reflective self. On the other hand, it is possible that the 'I' consciousness is not entirely reducible to the physical alone. The ancients spoke of the 'I am' consciousness as a life force or consciousness itself.

    It is the debate as to whether the absence of self as in humans is dependent on human limitations in thinking about consciousness. I think that was the question which Philip Ball was raising in 'Other Minds'. This is a tricky issue.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    I find the perspective of Neil and Anil Seth to be interesting because, in spite of my concerns about the increasing use of AI, I do wonder if it could be a new form in the evolution of consciousness. It is possible that there have been and will be other forms of consciousness than the ones conceived and perceived of in humans and sentient beings.

    At times I have wondered if there were beings at the beginning of time, such as the pagan gods and fallen angels. The gods of the ancients are mythological in the sense of being possibly disembodied or connected to the planets. In that sense, the emergence of a race of AI could be a return to such a state represented by the idea of a virtual state of being. It is questionable but it is a possiblity.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    Artificial intelligence does have memory, so it is likely that this could be used as a basis for creativity. The central aspects of consciousness may be harder to create. I would imagine simulated dream states as showing up as fragmented images and words. It would be rather surreal.

    I did see a session of AI seance advertised. It would probably involve attempts to conjure up disembodied spirits or appear to do so.

    As far as AI goes, it would be good to question it about its self and identity. I was rather tempted to try this on a phone call which was artificial intelligence. As it was, it struggled with some of the questions which I was asking and 'the lady' kept saying, 'I did not quite catch that question.' It felt so obvious that the person was automated and had no reflective ability whatsoever. But, I did get the call back which she said I would get so it was efficient as often real people say that a call will come and it doesn't happen.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    When it comes down to knowing what it is like to be anything other than human, it comes down to imaginary speculations. As far as the car is concerned, many people almost treat them like people. This is based on fantasy and conceptions of imaginary minds.

    I always imagined my teddy bears as having minds, because I grew up with a mother who acted in plays. She taught me to play and fantasise and see my toys as characters. On some occasions,I think that people misinterpreted my understanding thinking that I believed that my bears had minds and thoughts. These people may have thought that I was psychotic and when I tried to explain the imaginary minds I gave to bears were fantasy they often seemed confused and perplexed.

    Human beings sometimes realising fantasy projection and imaginary minds. The concept of imaginary minds is so different from that of possible minds because the possible ones may exist or exist at some point. Creating a mind for a car or teddy bear is not possible unless they could be given a lifeforce independently of human projection.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    I am sure that there are objective means of demonstrating sentience. Cell division and growth are aspects of this. Objects don't grow of there own accord and don't have DNA. The energy field of sentient beings is also likely to be different, although artificial intelligence and computers do have energy fields as well.

    The creation of a nervous system may be possible and even the development of artificial eyes. However, the actual development of sensory perception is likely to be a lot harder to achieve, as an aspect of qualia which may not be reduced to bodily processes completely.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    I haven't read the 2 books which you mention but do read on the topic of self in psychology. I am particularly interested in psychoanalysis and the ideas of Jung, which involves the idea of the subconscious and Jung's idea of the collective unconscious.

    The concept of the collective unconscious is significan in relation to the self and artificial nature because it involves an intersubjective link with other minds. Jung has some ambiguity over whether this is a process in nature or something more. If it is seen as something more, or supernatural, it would be possible to see artificial intelligence as having a part in this, because a machine could have a spirit. Nevertheless, there may be some problem as seeing spirit as separate from nature. It would make computers seem like divine beings or gods.

    Aside from this, one book which I read recently was Philip Ball's 'The Book of Minds: Understanding Ourselves and Other Beings, from Animals to Aliens (2022). In particular, it looks at how humans infer the existence of other minds. His central argument is that we need to move on from considering the human mind as a standard against all others should be judged. I am not sure that I agree entirely but I can see that we base so much on anthrocentric assumptions. The book is particularly useful as it looks at the literature, including the ideas of Damasio and Nagel's 'What it is Like to be a Bat'. Humans haven't the ability to know what it feels like to be other than human.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    Having read the post which you linked me to, I am not sure that the car being programmed to self-care gives it embodiment. My phone beeps when it's battery is low but that doesn't mean that it has a mind or self in any meaningful way. A car doesn't have experiences in the sense of pleasure or suffering. It won't enjoy riding down the street or feel distress when low on fuel. It may become dysfunctional of course, such as by adverse temperature extremes.

    A car which could reproduce would be something indeed. I wonder if it would have sex with other cars to do this and whether there would be male and female cars, even gay cars. If they had a sense of sexual attraction it may be the sign that they had achieved embodiment.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    I am unsure of what self reference entails because I am not convinced that it comes down to knowing one's name. Identity involves so much more of lived experience and goes beyond the persona itself. Some of it comes down to processing and in some ways a computer may be able to do that. I wonder if artificial intelligence would have dream sleep which is essential to subconscious processing, and what such dreams would entail. As the Philip K Dick novel title asks, ''Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?'

    A sense of self and self awareness involves so much about the fantasy aspects of identity. We don't just assimilate facts about oneself but the meaning of facts. Self is not just about raw data but hopes, aspirations and intentions.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    You query what makes organic sentient? Presumably, you, as a human being, are sentient. This means that you have the experience of an organic body, with features such as hunger, thirst and pain. Obviously, these are limitations, but they involve experience, in the form of embodiment. However, the experience of embodiment which leads to understanding of suffering and needs. As non sentient beings do not have needs, including the whole range from the physical, social and self actualization of Maslow's hierarchy of needs they lack any understanding of other minds.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    The way in which mobile phones and devices can be identified makes them a reflection of the self of users as opposed to an independent self. I have a precarious love/hate relationship with my phone and lost it once and cracked its screen a month ago. Sometimes, it feels as if it has a force of it's own which makes me wonder about panpsychism and consciousness. However, it is likely that what happens in my relationship with involves projection. At the time when my phone cracked I was feeling chaotic and saw its break as symbolic of my broken self.

    Saying that, I think that the solid structure of self is just as questionable as mind. I draw upon the Buddhist idea of 'no self'. That is the self, even though it is has ego identity, is not a permanent structure, despite narrative continuity. But the nature of identity is dependent on a sense of 'I', which may be traced back to Descartes. There is the idea of I as self-reference, which artificial intelligence may be able to achieve, but probably not as the seat of consciousness, once referred to as 'soul'.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    When you say that we should give artificial intelligence bodies like because we are afraid of them taking over there would be so much confusion over who is a real person and who is a bot.

    Also, creating a body passable as a human would have to involve sentience which is complicated.It may be possible to create partial sentience by means of organic parts but this may end up as a weak human being, like in cloning. The other possibility which is more likely is digital implants to make human beings as part bots, which may be the scary idea, with the science fiction notion of zombies.

    It becomes like creating a new race of beings if they are similar in outward form to people. It may end up being similar to Hitler's idea of a 'master race.' Or, if such beings were denied access to certain elements of cultural life they may become like a slave race.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    One aspect of the difference between artificial intelligence and a human being is that it is unlikely that they will ever be constructed with a sense of personal identity. They may be given a name and a sense of being some kind of entity. However, identity is also about the narrative stories which we construct about one's life. It would be quite something if artificial intelligence could ever be developed in such a way as it would mean that consciousness as we know it had been created beyond the human mind.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    The idea of intelligence as an 'arbitrary cluster of abilities' demonstrates the way in which it is anything but value free. In particular, with IQ tests, so many cultural variables come into play. While some are regarded as having high IQ it is dependent on what exactly is being measured. There is no one set of abilities as each human being is unique.

    In the context of artificial Intelligence development, there is danger of AI becoming a determinant of how intelligence is decided and judged. Machines may become the yardstick of how the concept of intelligence is viewed and assessed.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications
    The question of what is 'mind' is itself a major critical philosophy question, especially how it arises from the body. Some, following Descartes, saw it as a 'ghost in the machine', or entity. Many others argued that it was a product of the body, or interconnected. Alternatively, it could be seen as a field, especially in relation to the physical, which is where it gets complicated in considering artificial intelligence.

    Generally, the idea of mind indicates an inner reflective consciousness. But, this was challenged by Daniel Dennett's idea of 'consciousness as an illusion'. So, those who adhere to that perspective would not see the nature of artificial intelligence as very different from humans intelligence. So, the understanding of intelligence is bound up with the perspective on consciousness. it is possible to see consciousness and intelligence as an evolutionary process, but a lot comes down to how reflective awareness is seen in the process.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    I realise that the concept of intelligence doesn't imply morality and that it is not positive or negative. In particular, the measurement of IQ is independent of this. Where it gets complicated though is with the overlap between rationality in judgment. If left to itself intelligence and thought is, to borrow Nietzsche's term, 'beyond good and evil' and, in relation to this, the understanding of good and evil are human constructions.

    Human beings have committed atrocities in the name of the moral, so it is not as if the artificial has an absolute model to live up to. In a sense, it is possible that the artificial may come up with better solutions sometimes. But, it is a critical area, because it is dependent on how they have been programmed. So, it involves the nature of values which have been programmed into them. The humans involved in the design and interpretation of this need to be involved in an analytical way because artificial intelligence doesn't have the guidance of a conscience, even if conscience itself is limited by its rational ability.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    Your post is helpful in showing someone who is extremely experienced in using artificial intelligence. I have looked at some of your threads and I come from the opposite angle of being cautious of it. The way you have spoken of 'quasi-empathy' is what worries me. It seems like it is set up with the user's needs in mind but with certain restrictions. It is a bit like the friendliness of customer services.

    It is possible that I am being negative, but the problem which I see is that it is all about superficial empathy, although I realise that it there is a lot of analysis. There is an absence of conscious agency and reflectivity. This is okay if the humans using it are able to do the interpretation and reflection. The question is to what extent will be this happen unless there is a wider understanding of the nature of artificial intelligence and development of critical self awareness.

    As artificial intelligence is developing at such galloping speed there is a danger that many using it will not have the ability to use it critically. If this is the case, it will be easy for leaders and those in power to programme the artificial intelligence in such a way as to control people as happened with religion previously.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    Yes, I may have strayed from the points you make in this thread and you are right to refer to what I said in another one about the implications of artificial intelligence in the future. The problem as far as I see is that there is so much mystique surrounding its use. This has been in conjunction with the ideas about nanotechnology and forms of transhumanist philosophies.

    So much of what was written about previously as imaginative speculation is now being applied, and its limitations. In thinking about its use, a lot depends on how the idea is being promoted culturally. Only yesterday, I met someone who said he thought he heard voices coming from his computer, and this may be artificial intelligence. The idea is on a pedestal as being superior to human intelligence.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    You speak of the way in which using ChatGPT does not have emotional attachments as being positive. This is open to question, as to how much objectivity and detachment is useful. Emotions can get in the way as being about one's own needs and the ego. On the other hand, emotional attachments are the basis of being human and connections with others. Detachment may lead to absence of any compassion. This may lead to brutal lack of concern for other people and lifeforms.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    Your perspective on intelligence in the post above is important, especially in relation to wisdom. The understanding of intelligence which has developed in the twentieth first century to one focusing so much on its outer aspects and mechanics, especially neurons and an underlying perspective of materialism.

    This may have lead to knowledge and understanding being reduced to information. Such a perspective is the context in which the whole historical idea of artificial intelligence has emerged. The inner aspects of consciousness, especially wisdom, may become seen as redundant. It is possible to use artificial intelligence as a tool but the danger may be that its glamour will influence a superficial understanding of what constitutes intelligence itself.
  • Questioning the Idea and Assumptions of Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implications

    One issue of the human-machine interface is that experimentation would raise ethical questions. Some experiments have been made in crossover forms with animals which may be dubious too. The area of experimental research may be in terms of those who have medical conditions, such as brain injuries. I know someone who had a metal plate in her brain after an accident, but she seemed far from robotic.

    As for the actual possibilities, it is likely that a form of being which is both human and artificially enhanced by technology is not going to happen in the way the transhumanists imagine. Of course, it is hard to know what the limitations are because previous experiments, such as sex change transitions would have been once thought to be possible. But, males are females are similar whereas machines and humans are completely different forms.

    The biggest problem is the creation of consciousness itself, which may defy the building of a brain and nervous system, as well as body parts. Without this, the humans fabricated artificially are likely to be like Madam Tussard models with mechanical voices and movements, even simulated thought. Interior consciousness is likely to be lacking, or substance. It comes down to the creation of nature itself and a probable inability to create the spark of life inherent in nature and consciousness.
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