1. Introduction
Can Artificial Intelligence(AI) be conscious? This paper explores the possibility of consciousness in Artificial Intelligence by considering various positions from neuroscience, computer science and philosophy.
1.1 Consciousness in AI
Artificial Intelligence refers to a machine or a program that is a flexible rational agent that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chance of success at some goal. Searle argued that a conscious AI, or “Strong AI”, has a mind in the same sense that human beings have minds. Such a mind would be aware of its perceptions, thoughts and feelings.
1.2 Significance of the problem
The aristotelian notion of “Justified True Belief” has long been adopted as the definition of knowledge. The tripartite definition first require one to have beliefs, which then must be true as compared to the external world, and justified in reasoning. Hence in order to …show more content…
Therefore, the question of consciousness in machines is fundamental to establishing Artificial Intelligence's ability to produce new knowledge.
2. Consciousness from the brain
The most naive argument would be to assert that consciousness depends on the presence of a brain. Proponents of this claim argue that the specific biological and chemical structure of the brain give rise to consciousness, and since AIs do not have brains, they cannot be conscious.
It may be too simplistic to conclude that the brain is the sole source of consciousness. Brains are constituted by elements, which also make up machines. It is unclear how electric neural signals through carbon atoms in a brain differs to electric signals of a computer through silicon. There are also animals such as dolphins which display degrees of consciousness, yet have completely different brains. Therefore, presence of a brain is a problematic criterion in determining consciousness in AI.
3.
Can Artificial Intelligence(AI) be conscious? This paper explores the possibility of consciousness in Artificial Intelligence by considering various positions from neuroscience, computer science and philosophy.
1.1 Consciousness in AI
Artificial Intelligence refers to a machine or a program that is a flexible rational agent that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chance of success at some goal. Searle argued that a conscious AI, or “Strong AI”, has a mind in the same sense that human beings have minds. Such a mind would be aware of its perceptions, thoughts and feelings.
1.2 Significance of the problem
The aristotelian notion of “Justified True Belief” has long been adopted as the definition of knowledge. The tripartite definition first require one to have beliefs, which then must be true as compared to the external world, and justified in reasoning. Hence in order to …show more content…
Therefore, the question of consciousness in machines is fundamental to establishing Artificial Intelligence's ability to produce new knowledge.
2. Consciousness from the brain
The most naive argument would be to assert that consciousness depends on the presence of a brain. Proponents of this claim argue that the specific biological and chemical structure of the brain give rise to consciousness, and since AIs do not have brains, they cannot be conscious.
It may be too simplistic to conclude that the brain is the sole source of consciousness. Brains are constituted by elements, which also make up machines. It is unclear how electric neural signals through carbon atoms in a brain differs to electric signals of a computer through silicon. There are also animals such as dolphins which display degrees of consciousness, yet have completely different brains. Therefore, presence of a brain is a problematic criterion in determining consciousness in AI.
3.