What did the Google DeepMind scientist say about consciousness?

The scientist stated that phenomenal consciousness is a physical state, not a software artifact, and cannot be accidentally or deliberately created.

Can consciousness be created through software?

According to the research, consciousness is a physical state and not a software artifact, implying it cannot be created via software.

How does this affect AGI discussions?

The scientist's findings challenge narratives about artificial general intelligence (AGI) by emphasizing the physical basis of consciousness.

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Google DeepMind Scientist: Consciousness is Physical

28 Apr

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Summary

Consciousness is a physical state, not software.
Accidental or deliberate creation of consciousness is impossible.
The scientist's findings challenge AI advancement narratives.

Google DeepMind Scientist: Consciousness is Physical

Phenomenal consciousness is fundamentally a physical state, not merely a software artifact. This assertion comes from Alexander Lerchner, a Senior Staff Scientist at Google DeepMind, as reported by 404 Media.

The research indicates that consciousness cannot be accidentally or deliberately created through software alone. This scientific perspective emerges despite optimistic pronouncements from leaders in the field regarding the potential of artificial general intelligence (AGI).

These findings present a counterpoint to discussions about AGI's development. They emphasize the physical basis of consciousness, suggesting a significant hurdle for purely software-based AI advancements.