Can Computers Become Conscious and Overcome Humans?
Frontiers in Robotics and AI 2018 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2018.00121 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Artificial intelligence Cognitive computing Conscious machine Consciousness Information processing Super machine Type of cognition |
| Key points | Argues that questions about whether computers can become conscious or surpass humans rest on unexamined assumptions about the brain, and proposes a prototype theory of consciousness for classifying machines. The author concludes paradoxically that pursuing conscious machines to beat humans means computers will never completely exceed human capabilities, or that a machine achieving this should not be considered a computer anymore. |
Abstract
The idea of machines overcoming humans can be intrinsically related to conscious machines. Surpassing humans would mean replicating, reaching and exceeding key distinctive properties of human beings, for example, high-level cognition associated with conscious perception. However, can computers be compared with humans? Can computers become conscious? Can computers outstrip human capabilities? These are paradoxical and controversial questions, particularly because there are many hidden assumptions and misconceptions about the understanding of the brain. In this sense, it is necessary to first explore these assumptions and then suggest how the specific information processing of brains would be replicated by machines. Therefore, this article will discuss a subset of human capabilities and the connection with conscious behavior, secondly, a prototype theory of consciousness will be explored and machines will be classified according to this framework. Finally, this analysis will show the paradoxical conclusion that trying to achieve conscious machines to beat humans implies that computers will never completely exceed human capabilities, or if the computer were to do it, the machine should not be considered a computer anymore.
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- A Compositional Model of Consciousness Based on Consciousness-Only. Entropy (Basel, Switzerland) March 5, 2021
- Let us make man in our image-a Jewish ethical perspective on creating conscious robots AI and Ethics September 12, 2023
- What is consciousness and what it is for. An introduction to extended information theory. Frontiers in Psychology 2025
- Psychological Views on Digital Consciousness and Human Consciousness Advances in Computational Intelligence and Robotics April 5, 2024
- The Constrained Disorder Principle May Account for Consciousness. Brain Sciences February 23, 2024
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