There are so many things to say about this article in the MIT Technology Review. What started off as commentary around how much easier it is for scientists to discuss the possibility of designing AI consciousness, than to finally recognize that all their same definitions already define the consciousness of plants, evolved into more.
One of the many concepts that express just how frustrating this conversation can be:
“Fail to identify a conscious AI, and you might unintentionally subjugate, or even torture, a being whose interests ought to matter.” <– you mean the way we subjugate and torture plants today in nurseries, farms, and gardens around the world?
But what happens when we don’t even have the vocabulary to understand what consciousness would mean in another species? At least these philosophers and scientists are considering this possibility, which is very different than the neurobiologists we’ve reviewed in the past.
If there is one thing that I hope everyone takes away from this article, it is that, “You need to know why structures contribute to consciousness, in a way that’s rigorous and general enough to be applicable to any system, human or otherwise.” This means that we can’t just say, “the brain does XX, and since plants don’t have brains, they can’t be conscious.” We need to understand the underpinnings of consciousness first from an experience perspective.
There is so much more to say, go watch now, you won’t regret it!
Topics Covered about Consciousness in AI and in plants
Not recognizing consciousness could lead to suffering
Locked-in syndrome and anesthesia in plants
Why do specific biological structures create conscious action
Could Conscious AI be the evolution of humanity?
Discover the capacities of plants:
LIVE Plant Consciousness Commentary every Friday
Where we explore all things plant neurobiology, plant cognition, plant intelligence, plant humanities, and the birth of critical plant studies through the lens of personal evolution. Livestreams are every Friday in the Naturally Conscious Community.
Be a part of the conversation in the Naturally Conscious Community
Let’s talk more in the only online ecosystem that nourishes plant reawakening for enhanced evolution and collaboration with our plant friends. Connect with nature-conscious creatives, multipotentialites, and naturentrepreneurs who share your desire to see beauty in the world. >> JOIN OUR COMMUNITY <<
Looking for a mentor/coach to help you confidently embody a Naturally Conscious Life? Book a discovery call here, and let’s discuss how I can support you.
Episodes related to AI Consciousness and Plant Consciousness
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Tigrilla Gardenia
Minds of Machines: The great AI consciousness conundrum
There are so many things to say about this article in the MIT Technology Review. What started off as commentary around how much easier it is for scientists to discuss the possibility of designing AI consciousness, than to finally recognize that all their same definitions already define the consciousness of plants, evolved into more.
One of the many concepts that express just how frustrating this conversation can be:
“Fail to identify a conscious AI, and you might unintentionally subjugate, or even torture, a being whose interests ought to matter.” <– you mean the way we subjugate and torture plants today in nurseries, farms, and gardens around the world?
But what happens when we don’t even have the vocabulary to understand what consciousness would mean in another species? At least these philosophers and scientists are considering this possibility, which is very different than the neurobiologists we’ve reviewed in the past.
If there is one thing that I hope everyone takes away from this article, it is that, “You need to know why structures contribute to consciousness, in a way that’s rigorous and general enough to be applicable to any system, human or otherwise.” This means that we can’t just say, “the brain does XX, and since plants don’t have brains, they can’t be conscious.” We need to understand the underpinnings of consciousness first from an experience perspective.
There is so much more to say, go watch now, you won’t regret it!
Topics Covered about Consciousness in AI and in plants
Discover the capacities of plants:
LIVE Plant Consciousness Commentary every Friday
Where we explore all things plant neurobiology, plant cognition, plant intelligence, plant humanities, and the birth of critical plant studies through the lens of personal evolution. Livestreams are every Friday in the Naturally Conscious Community.
Be a part of the conversation in the Naturally Conscious Community
Let’s talk more in the only online ecosystem that nourishes plant reawakening for enhanced evolution and collaboration with our plant friends. Connect with nature-conscious creatives, multipotentialites, and naturentrepreneurs who share your desire to see beauty in the world. >> JOIN OUR COMMUNITY <<
Get to Know Me, Tigrilla Gardenia
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Looking for a mentor/coach to help you confidently embody a Naturally Conscious Life? Book a discovery call here, and let’s discuss how I can support you.
Episodes related to AI Consciousness and Plant Consciousness
Plant Anesthesia and Forgotten Studies
Plants Neither Possess nor Require Consciousness, pt.1
View the paper here
Huckins, Grace. (October 16,2023). Minds of machines: The great AI consciousness conundrum. MIT Technology Review. Accessed October 27, 2023.
If you have a paper, essay, article, or video you would like me to comment on, send it to me!
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