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Humans have brain areas that have, at the very least, a close functional link with emotional-motivational processing. Machine learning systems are currently des
by thelamest 4y ago
Humans have brain areas that have, at the very least, a close functional link with emotional-motivational processing. Machine learning systems are currently designed with absolutely no analogous components [1]. [Edit: to be clear, I’m nearly fully convinced they can’t emerge without significant architectural accomodations that are not present.] This doesn’t completely exclude the possibility of experiencing pain or pleasure, but I doubt we could empirically verify panpsychism. Do you disagree?
[1] One recent write-up that covers approximately this topic in detail: https://www.alignmentforum.org/s/HzcM2dkCq7fwXBej8 https://www.alignmentforum.org/s/HzcM2dkCq7fwXBej8
- upwardbound 4y agoYou're probably right and thank you for the link. All I was really saying is advocating for applying the precautionary principle to things that include neuron-like capabilities of signal processing, amplification, feedback loops, and state. Part of what has made me think about this is there is a startup company called Koniku that blurs the line by proposing to use humanlike neurons instead of transistors in a type of biological computer. That idea seems scary and I think when you dig into why, you'd consider that applying a precautionary approach to systems like this might be the worthy thing to do.
- thelamest 4y agoWe agree that this issue needs careful scrutiny. That linked series is, unfortunately for purposes of popularizing, very verbose. The main takeaway I want to convey is that human minds are almost obviously (I think?) deeply predisposed, rather than trained, to “have emotions”.