The Relationships Between Intelligence and Consciousness in Natural and Artificial Systems
Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness March 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1142/s2705078520300017 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIntelligence and consciousness, whether natural or artificial, may be linked but are distinct properties. Intelligence is a functional property measurable through behavior, but standard human tests fail for radically different animals and AI systems; new algorithms aim to measure intelligence universally. Consciousness, by contrast, appears tied to specific spatiotemporal patterns in particular physical materials, and scientific study has advanced by identifying neural correlates and developing mathematical theories to map between physical and conscious states. The paper outlines weak inferences about their relationship and argues that real progress requires practical universal measures of intelligence and reliable mathematical theories of consciousness.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that intelligence is a functional property while consciousness is linked to specific spatiotemporal patterns in physical materials, and that universal measures of intelligence and mathematical theories of consciousness are needed for scientific progress. |
Abstract
This paper explores some of the potential connections between natural and artificial intelligence and natural and artificial consciousness. In humans we use batteries of tests to indirectly measure intelligence. This approach breaks down when we try to apply it to radically different animals and to the many varieties of artificial intelligence. To address this issue people are starting to develop algorithms that can measure intelligence in any type of system. Progress is also being made in the scientific study of consciousness: we can neutralize the philosophical problems, we have data about the neural correlates and we have some idea about how we can develop mathematical theories that can map between physical and conscious states. While intelligence is a purely functional property of a system, there are good reasons for thinking that consciousness is linked to particular spatiotemporal patterns in specific physical materials. This paper outlines some of the weak inferences that can be made about the relationships between intelligence and consciousness in natural and artificial systems. To make real scientific progress we need to develop practical universal measures of intelligence and mathematical theories of consciousness that can reliably map between physical and conscious states.