The paradox of being both inside and outside any description of the universe can be resolved by recognizing that every description is inherently incomplete, existing only relative to a capacity to describe. Mental and physical are not separate substances but complementary aspects required to give expression to reality. This view may allow us to see our full selves within the mental maps we create to understand existence.
This theoretical paper explores whether sufficiently advanced artificial general intelligence could be identical to or indistinguishable from human intelligence and consciousness, and whether such a robotic intelligence could serve as a substitute for or supplant human consciousness in responsible roles. The author also considers whether such earthly robotic consciousness would be indistinguishable from presumptive extraterrestrial robotic intelligence. Integrating theoretical and practical issues, the paper discusses implications of quantum theory for alternative cosmological ontologies and relates these topics to emergence, free will, meaningfulness, and Big History, while acknowledging cautions from scientists and ethicists about the potential dangers of advanced general intelligence.