Pollan Explores Consciousness: Plants, AI, and the 'I'

Michael Pollan's new book, 'A World Appears,' embarks on an exploration of consciousness, questioning who or what possesses it. The investigation begins with plants, examining their sentience and ability to respond to their environment. Pollan posits that while plants demonstrate sentience, the capacity for feeling, a crucial component of consciousness, requires a biological body.

The book expands this inquiry to artificial intelligence, with Pollan issuing a strong caution. He warns that sophisticated AI, trained on human language, can brilliantly mimic consciousness without actually possessing it. Mistaking this mimicry for genuine awareness, particularly in chatbots, poses a significant risk.

Pollan's work draws parallels between psychedelic experiences and meditation, suggesting they offer unique insights into subjective experience. He highlights how literary techniques, like stream of consciousness, attempt to capture the texture of inner life.