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0 pointsroot_axis5y ago0 comments

I would argue that we would indeed be extinct. The phenomenon of apparent subjective experience is perhaps the most critical property of our existence, and based on the foundations of computer science as we understand them today, it is not necessary for computers to have a subjective experience in order to produce output that exceeds human capabilities.

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2 comments · 2 top-level

landryraccoon5y ago

I'm not sure I understand what you're getting at, so let me ask a clarifying question.

Lets suppose that we encounter a civilization that evolves independently outside of our solar system. This alien civilization is based on radically different chemistry - whatever it has that's analogous to a brain doesn't resemble any evolved natural brain on earth, it might not even be carbon based.

Nonetheless this alien civilization presents with language, culture, history, art and science. Would you argue that this civilization also lacks consciousness? How would you know these aliens do or do not have subjective experience, compared to human beings?

I'm wondering how particular you think the experience of consciousness is. Do you need to have carbon based, biological neurons to possess it? How do you determine if something has "subjective experience" or not?

dane-pgp5y ago

10 PRINT "I HAVE SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE"

20 GOTO 10

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