Can machines be conscious? - Philosophy in Pubs (Headington)

In a 2022 survey researchers working on machine learning were asked to estimate the probability that AI would be responsible for the extinction of the human race. The respondents thought, on average, that there was a 5-10% chance though there was very little consensus. A 5% chance of catastrophic consequences, or even a 1% chance, might be thought enough to suspend the project but AI is racing ahead. Regulation faces the obstacle of competing tech companies, competing countries, and uncertainty about what AI and AGI can do. Some of the uncertainty is philosophical, adding to the difficulties of policy makers whose remit seldom includes philosophy.

Whether machines can be intelligent, can think, or can be conscious is fiercely contested. Consciousness is something which everybody possesses and nobody understands. Competing definitions include:

• Phenomenological consciousness : Consciousness is having a subjective experience.
• Access consciousness : Something is conscious if it is available for reasoning, speech and action.
• Self-consciousness : Consciousness is an awareness of self

The question of machine intelligence and consciousness connects with some of the hardy perennials of philosophy: Mind vs Body, Empiricism vs Rationalism, Realism vs Idealism, Free Will vs Determinism. They form a background to the debate but may not clarify it.
In the first half of the meeting we should focus on consciousness and consider the following questions.

• What is consciousness? Is any of the definitions above adequate? What definition would be better?
• How can we tell whether something is conscious?
• Is biology an essential component of consciousness?
• Is the meaning of consciousness going to change? Will AI be responsible?

In second half of the meeting the discussion should focus on machine consciousness and consider the following questions:

• Can a machine be intelligent? Can it think? Can it be conscious?
• If a machine is conscious, does it have rights?
• Should we try to stop anthropomorphizing AI? Is this possible?
• Is AI leading us to the end of the world?
• What is to be done?

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Anyone can attend this session. No experience in philosophy or knowledge of the subject is required in advance. Just come along and enjoy. Our events use the the 4Cs of community philosophy:

• Caring for others, making space for their contributions
• Collaborating to get a better mutual understanding rather than scoring points
• Critically assessing what we say, clarifying what is meant and asking what reasons support assertions
• Creatively coming up with alternative perspectives, rather than dogmatically sticking to our initial positions

We welcome everyone of a wide range of ages, social and educational backgrounds etc. Don't worry if you don't have a qualification in philosophy - almost no-one does. Occasionally, attendees will be asked to watch, read or listen to a short piece of material in advance of the session (as the 'stimulus' for discussion), but this will be minimal and will be made clear in the description of the session.

We ask for donations of £1 per session from those who can afford to pay to cover the costs of the Meetup subscription. First timers are exempt. Don't feel obliged to pay if you can't afford it - or pay less. Feel free to put £5 to cover five sessions or however you want to donate - this is left entirely up to you.