consciousness
Consciousness and Uploading
Definition of Consciousness:
Conscious experiences have a subjective character; they define mental life, giving meaning and value.
Loss of consciousness implies a loss of existence in a meaningful sense.
Key Question:
Will the upload be conscious?
If the upload lacks consciousness, it may result in a zombified existence, greatly diminishing life's value.
Understanding of Consciousness
Current Knowledge Gaps:
There is no consensus on why or how brain processes produce consciousness.
Neuroscience identifies neural correlates but does not provide a complete understanding.
Incomplete Knowledge and Conscious Experience:
Knowledge of physical structure does not account for subjective experiences.
Example: Frank Jackson's "Mary" illustrates the limits of physical knowledge in understanding experience.
The Question of Systems and Consciousness
Theories on Consciousness:
Biological Theorists:
Consciousness is inherently biological; nonbiological systems cannot be conscious.
Functionalist Theorists:
Consciousness depends on causal structure; nonbiological systems can be conscious if organized correctly.
Implications for Uploading:
If biological theorists are correct, uploading would not allow for conscious survival.
If functionalist theorists are correct, uploads likely can be conscious.
Functional Isomorphs and Consciousness
Functional Isomorphism Explained:
Perfect uploading implies a functional equivalent in a computer for each brain element.
Example: Artificial instruments linked to process visual inputs like an original brain.
Gradual Uploading Process
Uploading Scenario:
Gradual replacement of brain components with computational analogs.
Assumption: Process remains unnoticed by the individual (no consciousness awareness of the change).
Consciousness During Upload:
Three Possibilities:
Sudden Disappearance: Consciousness ceases upon replacing a single component.
Gradual Fading: Consciousness diminishes through multiple components.
Continued Presence: Consciousness persists throughout the process.
Conclusion:
Full consciousness likely remains present during gradual uploading, aligning with behavior.
Implications of Partial and Full Uploading
Perception of Consciousness:
Presence of partial uploads can lead to acceptance of consciousness preservation.
Organizational Invariance:
Consciousness may remain qualitatively the same across functional isomorphs, regardless of physical substrate.
Conscious experiences are expected to mirror between biological and nonbiological systems effectively.
Additional Considerations
Assessment of Identity: The pressing question remains whether uploading preserves personal identity alongside consciousness.