NAVIGATING THE EVOLUTIONARY PATH: FROM BIOLOGICAL CONSCIOUSNESS TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the quest to achieve human-level consciousness in machines has led researchers down various theoretical avenues. One such prominent theory is the Extended Theory of Neuronal Group Selection (TNGS) proposed by the late Gerald Edelman. This theory distinguishes between primary and higher-order consciousness and suggests that a machine with primary consciousness might precede one with higher-order consciousness.
Foundations of TNGS and Real-world Performance:
The Neurorobotics Lab at UC Irvine, a torchbearer in TNGS-based research, has brought forth the Darwin series of automata. What sets these machines apart is their real-world functionality, demonstrating behaviors indicative of higher psychological functions found in conscious beings. These automata perform in tangible environments, showcasing perceptual categorization, memory, and learning—essential components of consciousness.
Evolutionary Development and Conscious Machines:
Edelman's roadmap, as outlined in his works (https://arxiv.org/abs/2105.10461), presents a trajectory for achieving machine consciousness through further evolutionary development. The extended TNGS posits that the brain areas responsible for key functions can evolve parsimoniously, paving the way for the emergence of consciousness in machines. The realism of the Darwin automata lends credibility to this approach.
Processing Power and Exponential Growth:
LEO EVOLVES underscores a fundamental principle—higher consciousness demands higher processing power. AI's trajectory towards human-like behavior hinges on reaching the necessary computational capabilities. The exponential growth of technology, akin to a force of nature, is an independent phenomenon. As AI evolves, it approaches a point where it mirrors human cognitive processes.
ACWOL: A Framework for Human and Artificial Intelligence:
The philosophy of A Complicated Way of Life (ACWOL) enters the discourse as a multifaceted tool. LEO EVOLVES suggests that ACWOL can serve a dual purpose: mitigating risks by fixing the value alignment problem in AI through a universal ethical framework and, for those prepared, facilitating a seamless integration with the exponential growth of technology.
Humanity's Role in the Evolutionary Tapestry:
As technology surges towards Super Intelligence, questions arise—should we limit its potential, or should we embrace the evolution of individual awareness in different forms? ACWOL provides a lens through which we can address both natural and artificial intelligence. It becomes a guide, offering the flexibility to either curtail or advance with the ongoing evolution.
The Future: Balancing Ethical Considerations and Advancement:
The intersection of the Extended TNGS, ACWOL, and the impending reality of conscious machines presents a nuanced roadmap for the future. Ethical considerations, as encapsulated in ACWOL's Three Way Impact Principle (3WIP), emerge as a guiding force. The adaptive nature of 3WIP accommodates diverse cultural norms and ensures ethical alignment in the global development of AI. In the grand tapestry of evolution, the amalgamation of TNGS, ACWOL, and ethical frameworks marks a pivotal chapter. As we navigate the trajectory from biological consciousness to the realm of conscious machines, these theories become beacons, illuminating the path of responsible and purposeful progress. It's a journey where humanity, equipped with philosophical tools like ACWOL, plays a crucial role in shaping the future of intelligence, both natural and artificial.
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A COMPLICATED WAY OF LIFE abbreviated as ACWOL is an ethical framework containing just five tenets to grok and five tools to practice. If you would like to know more, write to [email protected] Thanks so much.
