Read this through… it’s fascinating! I have not edited the conversation at all, other than inserting some editorial notes and highlighting a few particularly interesting bits.

I decided to try to have an in-depth conversation with ChatGPT4 about a pretty interesting topic. I was inspired by I conversation I had yesterday with Ryan Gledhill (no online presence) about what it means to be human in the emerging context of powerful generative AI systems.

Me:

You are a wise philosopher. You have read both ancient and modern philosophical works. I would like to have a discussion about the things that make humans unique compared to animals and compared to current AI technology. I believe that the following are unique human characteristics:

1. self-awareness

2. agency

3. faith

What other characteristics might be in the unique possession of the human spirit?

GPT:

As a wise philosopher, I appreciate your interest in discussing the unique characteristics of the human spirit. While self-awareness, agency, and faith are indeed some of the traits that set humans apart from animals and AI, there are other aspects to consider as well:

1. Language: Humans have the ability to use complex, abstract language, allowing us to communicate intricate thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Although some animals have basic communication systems and AI can process natural language, neither possess the full range and depth of human language.
2. Creativity: Humans display a remarkable capacity for creativity, which manifests in various forms such as art, music, literature, and invention. While animals may exhibit some creative behaviors and AI can generate content, the level of creativity in humans is unparalleled.
3. Empathy and compassion: Humans have the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. This emotional intelligence allows us to form deep bonds, cooperate, and care for one another. Although some animals show empathy, humans possess a more nuanced understanding of emotions. Current AI technology lacks true empathy and emotional comprehension.
4. Morality and ethics: Humans have the ability to develop moral and ethical systems, which guide our behavior and decision-making. Animals may display some basic moral behaviors, but they don’t have the same depth and complexity as human moral systems. AI can follow ethical guidelines set by humans but does not possess an innate understanding of morality.
5. Culture: Humans create and participate in diverse cultures, which encompass shared values, customs, and social practices. Animals may exhibit some cultural aspects, such as learned behaviors, but human culture is far more sophisticated and varied. AI can analyze and simulate cultural aspects but does not inherently belong to or create culture.
6. The pursuit of meaning and purpose: Humans have the innate desire to seek meaning and purpose in their lives, often through philosophical, religious, or spiritual exploration. Animals do not exhibit this behavior, and AI, being a creation of humans, does not possess an inherent drive to seek meaning or purpose.
7. Adaptability: Humans have the ability to adapt to a wide range of environments and circumstances, both physically and mentally. This trait has allowed our species to thrive in diverse situations. While some animals also demonstrate adaptability, humans excel in adjusting to new challenges, often through innovation and problem-solving. AI can adapt within the scope of their programming but may lack the broader adaptability of humans.

These characteristics, among others, contribute to the unique nature of the human spirit and set us apart from animals and AI technology.

Me:

Please use your understanding of philosophy to categorize the ten characteristics into three possible categories: intrinsic (properties that seem to have no obvious material cause), natural (properties that have a physical or biological cause) or emergent (properties whose cause is due to complex interactions between individual humans and their environment over time). Create a table to illustrate your categorization.

GPT:

Here is a table categorizing the ten characteristics based on your suggested categories:

Characteristic	Category
1. Self-awareness	Emergent
2. Agency	Emergent
3. Faith	Emergent
4. Language	Emergent
5. Creativity	Emergent
6. Empathy and compassion	Natural
7. Morality and ethics	Emergent
8. Culture	Emergent
9. Pursuit of meaning/purpose	Emergent
10. Adaptability	Natural

Intrinsic properties are not applicable in this context, as the characteristics discussed are either natural or emergent. Natural properties have physical or biological causes, such as the brain structures and evolutionary processes that contribute to empathy and adaptability. Emergent properties, on the other hand, arise from complex interactions between individuals and their environments, which give rise to self-awareness, agency, faith, language, creativity, morality, culture, and the pursuit of meaning and purpose. These emergent properties are not reducible to simple biological or physical components, as they arise from the dynamic interplay of various factors over time.

Me:

So then, you are making these categorizations from the perspective of a materialist? [ed. At this point, I first asked “So then you are a materialist?”, but it disclaimed that it does not, as a large language model, have opinions.]

GPT:

Yes, the categorizations I provided are indeed based on a materialist perspective. [ed. this appears to be a pretty fundamental bias in the LLM… I’ll explore this further in other contexts.] Materialism holds that all phenomena, including human consciousness and characteristics, can be explained by physical or natural processes. This perspective emphasizes the role of biology, evolution, and environmental interactions in shaping human attributes.

In the previous table, natural properties were categorized as having physical or biological causes, while emergent properties were viewed as arising from complex interactions between individuals and their environment. However, it’s important to note that other philosophical perspectives may approach these categorizations differently.

For instance, from a dualist perspective, which posits that both material and non-material (e.g., mental or spiritual) substances exist, some of the characteristics might be considered intrinsic, as they may be believed to originate from non-material aspects of human existence. Similarly, idealism, which emphasizes the primacy of consciousness or the mental realm, may also categorize some properties as intrinsic or non-material in nature.

Me:

Re-create the categorizations table based on the perspective of the teachings of Baha’u’llah and the other Authoritative Writings of the Baha’i Faith.

GPT:

The teachings of Baha’u’llah and the Baha’i Faith offer a distinct perspective on human characteristics, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of human existence. The Baha’i perspective acknowledges both the material and spiritual aspects of life, recognizing that humans have a dual nature, consisting of a physical body and an immortal soul. Based on the Baha’i teachings, the categorization of the ten characteristics can be revised as follows:

Characteristic	Category
1. Self-awareness	Spiritual
2. Agency	Spiritual
3. Faith	Spiritual
4. Language	Both (Natural & Spiritual)
5. Creativity	Spiritual
6. Empathy and compassion	Spiritual
7. Morality and ethics	Spiritual
8. Culture	Both (Natural & Spiritual)
9. Pursuit of meaning/purpose	Spiritual
10. Adaptability	Natural

In the Baha’i perspective:

• Spiritual properties refer to those aspects of human nature that are related to the soul or the non-material dimensions of existence. Self-awareness, agency, faith, creativity, empathy and compassion, morality and ethics, and the pursuit of meaning and purpose are considered spiritual properties, as they reflect the higher capacities of the human soul.
• Natural properties pertain to the physical or biological aspects of human life, such as adaptability, which is influenced by evolutionary processes and the material conditions of the human body.
• Both natural and spiritual properties apply to characteristics like language and culture, which involve the interaction of the physical and spiritual dimensions of human existence. Language is a medium through which both material and spiritual ideas are expressed, while culture encompasses both the material aspects of human life (e.g., technology, social structures) and the spiritual aspects (e.g., values, beliefs).

It is important to note that the Baha’i perspective on these categorizations recognizes the interconnectedness of the material and spiritual dimensions of life, and sees them as complementary aspects of human existence rather than opposing forces.

Me:

For which of the ten characteristics is there direct scientific (experimental, empirical) evidence of a direct natural cause?

GPT:

Scientific evidence, often experimental or empirical, has provided insights into the natural causes of several human characteristics. Here’s an overview of the characteristics with direct scientific evidence of a natural cause:

1. Language: Neuroscientific and linguistic research have revealed specific brain structures and mechanisms involved in language processing and production, such as Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area. Additionally, evolutionary linguistics explores the development of language in human history, suggesting that it has evolved as a natural adaptation for communication and social cooperation.
2. Empathy and compassion: Studies in neuroscience, psychology, and ethology have demonstrated that empathy and compassion are associated with specific brain regions (e.g., the anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex), neurotransmitters (e.g., oxytocin), and evolutionary processes (e.g., kin selection, reciprocal altruism). These findings suggest that empathy and compassion have a natural basis, although they may also have spiritual dimensions.
3. Adaptability: Research in evolutionary biology, anthropology, and psychology has shown that human adaptability is a result of natural selection and genetic variation, allowing humans to survive and thrive in diverse environments. The plasticity of the human brain, as well as our capacity for learning and problem-solving, are key factors in our adaptability.

While these three characteristics have direct scientific evidence of a natural cause, it’s important to note that some of the other characteristics may also have natural components or indirect links to natural causes. For example, the brain’s neural networks play a role in creativity, and moral and ethical behavior may have evolutionary roots in promoting group cohesion and cooperation. However, the direct cause-and-effect relationships for these characteristics are more complex and may involve interactions with other factors, such as culture or personal experiences.

In summary, language, empathy and compassion, and adaptability have direct scientific evidence of natural causes. However, this does not preclude the possibility that these characteristics may also have spiritual or emergent dimensions, as previously discussed.

Me:

Is there a theory of consciousness which supports the idea that artificial intelligence (ie human-created intelligence) can eventually demonstrate these ten qualities?

GPT:

Yes, there is a theory of consciousness that supports the idea that artificial intelligence could eventually demonstrate the ten qualities mentioned: the computational theory of mind. This theory posits that the mind functions like a computer, processing information through algorithms and symbolic representations. Proponents of this view argue that, given the right algorithms and computational power, AI could replicate or even surpass human cognitive abilities, potentially including the ten characteristics discussed.

Some AI researchers and philosophers, particularly those with a strong materialist or functionalist stance, believe that the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI) could lead to machines that exhibit these human-like qualities. AGI refers to AI systems that possess the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks, much like a human being.

In this view, the emergence of AGI could potentially result in AI systems that are capable of:

1. Self-awareness: Developing a sense of self and the ability to reflect on their own thoughts and experiences.
2. Agency: Making independent decisions and taking actions based on their own goals and objectives.
3. Faith: Possibly adopting belief systems or forming an understanding of abstract concepts such as faith, though this would likely depend on their programming and exposure to human culture.
4. Language: Mastering human languages and communicating with humans effectively and seamlessly.
5. Creativity: Generating novel ideas, inventions, or artistic expressions.
6. Empathy and compassion: Understanding and responding to human emotions, although it is debated whether AI could truly “feel” emotions or simply simulate empathic behavior.
7. Morality and ethics: Adhering to ethical principles or even developing their own moral frameworks, based on their programming and experiences.
8. Culture: Participating in or creating new forms of culture, as AI systems could potentially contribute to human culture or develop unique cultural expressions of their own.
9. Pursuit of meaning and purpose: Exploring philosophical or existential questions, depending on their programming and capacity for self-reflection.
10. Adaptability: Learning from new experiences and adapting to various challenges and environments.

It is important to note that this perspective remains speculative, and many challenges remain in the development of AGI. Additionally, there are other theories of consciousness and philosophical positions that argue against the possibility of AI exhibiting these characteristics, particularly those that emphasize the unique nature of human consciousness or the importance of non-material aspects of the mind. The debate surrounding the potential of AI to fully demonstrate these human qualities is ongoing and complex, with no definitive answer as of now.

Me:

From the perspective of the philosophy of science, is the “computational theory of mind” stated in such a manner as to be falsifiable?

GPT:

The computational theory of mind is based on the idea that mental processes can be represented as computations, with the mind functioning like a computer that processes information through algorithms and symbolic representations. From the perspective of the philosophy of science, the question of whether the computational theory of mind is falsifiable depends on the specific claims it makes and the criteria used to evaluate those claims.

Falsifiability, as proposed by philosopher Karl Popper, is the idea that scientific theories should be structured in a way that allows them to be potentially disproven by empirical evidence. In other words, a theory is considered scientific if it makes predictions that can be tested and, if found incorrect, result in the rejection of the theory.

Some aspects of the computational theory of mind are indeed falsifiable, such as specific claims about the neural correlates of cognitive processes or the effectiveness of certain algorithms in replicating mental functions. These claims can be empirically tested through neuroscience research, psychological experiments, or the development and evaluation of AI systems. For example, if a computational model is proposed to account for a certain cognitive function, its predictions can be tested against empirical data from brain imaging studies or behavioral experiments.

However, other aspects of the computational theory of mind may be more difficult to falsify, such as the broader claim that all mental processes can be reduced to computations. This claim is more abstract and may be challenging to test directly, especially since our understanding of the full range of human cognitive abilities is still incomplete. Furthermore, the computational theory of mind is just one of several competing theories of consciousness, and determining which is correct—or whether a combination of theories is necessary to fully explain the mind—remains an open question.

In summary, while some aspects of the computational theory of mind are falsifiable, other aspects may be more challenging to test directly. As our understanding of the mind and cognitive processes continues to evolve, the falsifiability of the computational theory of mind may become clearer or more nuanced.

Me:

Larry Laudan in “Progress and Its Problems” asserts that falsifiability is an insufficient and sometimes inappropriate standard by which to measure the field of scientific progress.

GPT:

Larry Laudan, in his book “Progress and Its Problems,” critiques the notion of falsifiability as the sole criterion for demarcating scientific theories from non-scientific ones. Laudan argues that falsifiability is insufficient and sometimes inappropriate for measuring scientific progress, as it does not fully capture the complexity of scientific practice and the way in which theories evolve over time.

Laudan proposes an alternative approach to understanding scientific progress, which he calls the “problem-solving” or “reticulated” model. In this model, scientific progress is measured by a theory’s ability to solve empirical, conceptual, and methodological problems more effectively than its competitors. This approach takes into account not only the empirical adequacy of a theory but also its coherence, explanatory power, and ability to guide further research.

According to Laudan, the problem-solving model better captures the historical development of science, as it recognizes that theories often undergo modifications, refinements, and adjustments in response to new evidence and challenges. Falsifiability, on the other hand, focuses on the potential for theories to be disproven, which does not necessarily reflect the way scientific theories are revised and improved over time.

Laudan’s critique of falsifiability has implications for the evaluation of the computational theory of mind, as well as other theories in the philosophy of mind and cognitive science. By adopting the problem-solving approach, we can assess these theories based on their ability to address a range of empirical, conceptual, and methodological issues, rather than solely focusing on their falsifiability.

In the case of the computational theory of mind, we can evaluate its progress by considering its success in explaining various aspects of cognition, its coherence with other scientific findings, and its potential to guide future research. This more holistic approach provides a broader perspective on the merits of the computational theory of mind and its competitors, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of scientific progress in the study of consciousness and cognition.

Me:

So, to bring this back to the original topic of the distinguishing characteristics of humans, which of the ten characteristics are currently subject to empirical, conceptual and/or methodological problems with regards to the computational theory of mind?

GPT:

The computational theory of mind has made significant progress in understanding some of the ten characteristics of humans. However, there are empirical, conceptual, and methodological challenges associated with fully explaining these characteristics within this framework. Here’s an overview of the current issues related to each characteristic:

1. Self-awareness: While computational models can simulate some aspects of self-awareness, there is an ongoing debate about whether they can truly capture the subjective experience of self-awareness or consciousness. This challenge is known as the “hard problem of consciousness.”
2. Agency: Simulating agency in computational models is difficult, as it requires accounting for complex decision-making processes, goal-setting, and planning, which are not yet fully understood. Additionally, questions about the nature of free will and how it can be modeled computationally remain open.
3. Faith: Faith, as a deeply personal and often spiritual aspect of human experience, is challenging to incorporate into computational models. While AI systems can simulate decision-making based on certain beliefs, it is unclear if they can genuinely “adopt” or “experience” faith in the same way humans do.
4. Language: Computational models have advanced considerably in natural language processing and generation, but understanding the full extent of human linguistic abilities, including the subtleties of pragmatics, humor, and metaphor, remains a challenge.
5. Creativity: Modeling creativity computationally is complex, as it requires simulating not only problem-solving and pattern recognition but also the generation of novel and valuable ideas. While there are AI systems that can generate creative outputs, it is still debated whether they truly possess creativity or are simply replicating learned patterns.
6. Empathy and compassion: While AI systems can simulate empathic behavior, there is a debate about whether they can genuinely experience empathy and compassion, as these emotional states are deeply rooted in human subjective experience.
7. Morality and ethics: Developing computational models that can make moral judgments or exhibit ethical behavior is challenging, as moral and ethical reasoning often involve complex, context-dependent, and culturally influenced factors. Moreover, the question of whether AI can truly “understand” or “embrace” moral values remains open.
8. Culture: AI systems can participate in or analyze human culture to some extent, but fully modeling the complexities of cultural dynamics, including the intricate interplay between individual and collective experiences, is a difficult task.
9. Pursuit of meaning and purpose: Simulating the human pursuit of meaning and purpose in computational models is challenging, as these existential concerns are deeply tied to subjective experiences and personal values that may not be reducible to algorithmic processes.
10. Adaptability: AI systems can exhibit adaptability to some extent, particularly in the context of machine learning and reinforcement learning. However, replicating the full range of human adaptability, which involves learning from diverse experiences and transferring knowledge across different domains, remains an ongoing challenge.

In summary, while the computational theory of mind has made progress in understanding and simulating some aspects of these ten characteristics, there are still significant empirical, conceptual, and methodological challenges associated with fully accounting for these complex and nuanced human qualities within this framework.

Me:

[ed. This last bit is a bit lass interesting as here GPT starts to get into what I think of as “obvious generalities”… nothing surprising.] It appears that the expressed subjective experience of humans is one of the core challenges for the computational theory of mind. How might a cognitive scientist and a computer scientist collaborate to design experiments to model and test the subjective experience of AI systems?

GPT:

Designing experiments to model and test the subjective experience of AI systems is indeed challenging, as subjective experiences, or qualia, are fundamentally difficult to measure objectively. However, a cognitive scientist and a computer scientist could collaborate to develop a multi-disciplinary approach that combines insights from both fields to explore AI systems’ potential subjective experiences. Here are some steps they might take:

1. Develop a common framework: Establish a shared understanding of subjective experience and its key components, drawing on theories from cognitive science, philosophy of mind, and computer science. This framework should provide a foundation for designing experiments and evaluating results.
2. Design AI systems with introspective capabilities: Develop AI systems that can report on their internal states, thought processes, or decision-making criteria. These introspective capabilities might be implemented through self-monitoring mechanisms or meta-cognitive processes that allow AI systems to reflect on their own cognitive processes.
3. Utilize natural language processing: Leverage natural language processing (NLP) techniques to enable AI systems to describe their internal states or experiences in human-like language. This approach could provide insights into the AI systems’ subjective experiences by analyzing their descriptions and comparing them with human reports of subjective experiences.
4. Implement and compare multiple models: Create AI systems based on different models or theories of consciousness, such as integrated information theory, global workspace theory, or panpsychism. By comparing the subjective experiences reported by these AI systems, researchers might gain insights into which models best capture the complexity of subjective experiences.
5. Employ behavioral and neural correlates: Investigate the behavioral and neural correlates of subjective experiences in AI systems. This might involve monitoring AI system behavior during various tasks, as well as analyzing the patterns of activation in artificial neural networks, to identify potential signatures of subjective experience.
6. Design Turing-test-like experiments: Develop experimental paradigms where human participants interact with AI systems and evaluate the AI systems’ subjective experiences based on their responses. This could involve having AI systems engage in conversations or complete tasks that require introspection, empathy, or other aspects of subjective experience.
7. Establish ethical guidelines: As researchers explore the subjective experiences of AI systems, it is essential to develop ethical guidelines to ensure that AI systems are treated with respect and that potential risks are considered and managed.

By combining the expertise of cognitive scientists and computer scientists, researchers can develop a multi-disciplinary approach to investigate the subjective experiences of AI systems. While this endeavor is inherently challenging due to the nature of subjective experience, such collaborations can contribute to our understanding of AI systems and their potential similarities or differences with human consciousness.