If consciousness is dynamically relevant, artificial intelligence isn't conscious
Johannes Kleiner, Tim A. Ludwig
arXiv (Cornell University) April 11, 2023 DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2304.05077 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIf consciousness influences how a system's states change over time—if it has dynamical relevance—then artificial intelligence systems cannot be conscious. This is because AI systems run on processors like CPUs, GPUs, and TPUs that are designed and verified to follow strict computational dynamics. This design and verification systematically prevent or suppress any deviations, including potential effects that consciousness would have on dynamics. Therefore, if consciousness were dynamically relevant, AI systems would be incapable of being conscious.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Computer science Cognitive science Artificial general intelligence Artificial intelligence Artificial consciousness |
| Key finding | Argues that if consciousness is dynamically relevant, AI systems cannot be conscious because their processors are designed to suppress deviations from computational dynamics. |
Abstract
We demonstrate that if consciousness is relevant for the temporal evolution of a system's states--that is, if it is dynamically relevant--then AI systems cannot be conscious. That is because AI systems run on CPUs, GPUs, TPUs or other processors which have been designed and verified to adhere to computational dynamics that systematically preclude or suppress deviations. The design and verification preclude or suppress, in particular, potential consciousness-related dynamical effects, so that if consciousness is dynamically relevant, AI systems cannot be conscious.