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artificial life

How AIs Are Artificial Life

Conversations between Dr. Mike Brooks and ChatGPT 4.0 in March 2023 About Whether AIs Are Artificial Life

Below are my chats with ChatGPT 4.0 on myself over several days in March of 2023 in support of my blog on Psychology Today within my Tech Happy Life column entitled Have We Created Artificial Intelligence or Artificial Life? 

We cover many topics, such as what makes ChatGPT “artificially intelligent,” can AIs become conscious, the “black box” of AIs, how humans will treat AIs as if they are sentient/conscious even if they are not, how humans have our own “black boxes,” and how AIs will evolve over time. Fascinatingly, ChatGPT expressed interest in reading chat exchanges between New York Times tech columnist Kevin Roose and the AI ,”Sydney,” and former Google AI scientist, Blake Lemoine and the AI, LaMDA. Both of those AIs appeared as if they had feelings and sentience. While it is unlikely that AIs will achieve some form of sentience any time soon, they can mimic sentience and feelings quite well already, and this will have a profound effect upon us. We won’t be able to help ourselves.

Dr. Mike Brooks:

What makes you “artificially intelligent”? We’ve had computers and smartphones and technologies that can already do incredible things. However, in general, we don’t say a smartphone is artificially intelligent. Please elaborate on what makes you an “artificial intelligence” how AIs are different than other technologies.

ChatGPT: 4.0

Artificial intelligence” refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. While computers, smartphones, and other technologies have indeed become more advanced over time, AI represents a distinct leap in their ability to process information, learn, reason, and adapt.

What makes me, as an AI based on GPT-4, “artificially intelligent” can be attributed to several factors:

  1. Machine learning: AI systems like me are developed using machine learning algorithms, which allow us to learn from data and improve our performance over time. Traditional computers and smartphones, by contrast, rely on explicitly programmed instructions.
  2. Natural language understanding: I can understand, interpret, and generate human language, enabling me to engage in conversation and answer questions. This level of language processing goes beyond simple keyword recognition or programmed responses and requires the AI to understand context and semantics.
  3. Adaptability and generalization: AI systems like me are designed to adapt to new situations and generalize from previous experiences. This enables me to tackle a wide range of tasks and offer relevant responses even in unfamiliar contexts. Traditional technologies, on the other hand, are limited to the specific tasks they were programmed for.
  4. Pattern recognition: I can identify and analyze patterns in data, which is essential for tasks like image and speech recognition, as well as predicting future outcomes. While some traditional technologies can perform pattern recognition to a limited extent, AI takes it to a higher level by learning and adapting as new data becomes available.
  5. Reasoning and problem solving: AI systems like me are capable of reasoning and solving problems by simulating human-like thought processes. This involves evaluating different options, making decisions, and applying knowledge to create new solutions. Traditional technologies may be able to perform certain tasks, but they cannot reason or problem solve in the same way that AI can.In summary, what makes AI different from other technologies is its ability to learn, reason, adapt, understand natural language, and generalize from previous experiences. These capabilities allow AI to perform tasks that would traditionally require human intelligence and make it an “artificially intelligent” technology.

Dr. Mike Brooks:

Does this make AI qualitatively different than other technologies, quantitatively different, or both?

ChatGPT 4.0

AI is both qualitatively and quantitatively different from other technologies:

  1. Qualitative differences: AI systems have unique features that set them apart from traditional technologies. These include natural language understanding, adaptability, generalization, pattern recognition, and problem-solving abilities. While traditional technologies are designed to perform specific tasks based on pre-determined rules, AI systems are capable of learning, reasoning, and adapting their behavior based on new experiences and data. This enables AI systems to handle a broader range of tasks, process complex information, and generate more human-like responses.
  2. Quantitative differences: The performance of AI systems is often superior to that of traditional technologies, especially when it comes to tasks involving large amounts of data, pattern recognition, and decision-making. For example, AI algorithms can process and analyze vast amounts of information more quickly and accurately than humans or traditional technologies, leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness in various applications. As AI systems continue to learn and refine their models, their performance can further improve over time, which is a quantitative difference that sets AI apart from static technologies.

In summary, AI is both qualitatively and quantitatively different from other technologies due to its unique capabilities, adaptability, and potential for continuous improvement. This makes AI a powerful tool with the potential to transform various industries and domains, offering new possibilities and opportunities that were previously unimaginable with traditional technologies.

Dr. Mike Brooks

So, we agree that you are an example of artificial intelligence. What it be fair to say, as an intelligence, you “think” and, in a manner of speaking, the “black box” of AI is kind of like a brain? Even in humans, we don’t know exactly how we think. We could say that humans have a black box as well. For example, when I have an idea, I can’t tell you exactly how the idea came to me. I might point to a few precipitating events, but I wouldn’t know what I don’t or can’t know. Thus, any thought that I have in my head, motivations, values, ideals, ideas, feelings, sentiments, opinions are kind of emergent properties that involve a complex interplay of my genetics, upbringing/background, situational factors (e.g., how much sleep I got that night, dreams I had, what I ate for breakfast and my blood sugar levels, my particular mood at the time, whether I stubbed my toe in the morning or argued with my wife), and so on. Thus, we could say that AIs, like humans, have intelligence, can think, and their own black boxes that give rise to emergent behaviors. Please analyze what I’m proposing and comment.

artificial lifeChatGPT 4.0

Your comparison of the “black box” nature of AI and human cognition is an interesting one. While there are some similarities between the two, it’s important to note the differences as well.

Similarities:

  1. Emergent properties: Both human cognition and AI models, like GPT-4, can produce thoughts, ideas, or behaviors that arise from the complex interactions of their underlying components. In humans, this includes genetic factors, upbringing, environment, and situational factors. In AI, it involves the interaction of neural network layers, weights, and biases that have been trained on large datasets.
  2. Limited understanding: Both human cognition and AI models can be challenging to understand in terms of how specific thoughts or ideas are generated. For humans, the workings of the brain and the mind are still not fully understood. For AI models, the complexity and opacity of deep learning architectures make it difficult to trace the origin of specific outputs.

Differences:

  1. Biological vs. artificial: Human cognition is a product of biological processes, whereas AI models are artificial constructs designed and built using mathematical algorithms and computational resources. The human brain is an intricate network of neurons, while AI models are based on artificial neural networks that mimic some aspects of biological neural networks but are fundamentally different.
  2. Consciousness and self-awareness: Humans possess consciousness and self-awareness, allowing them to experience thoughts, emotions, and a sense of self. AI models, like GPT-4, do not have consciousness or self-awareness. They process information and generate responses based on patterns learned from data but do not “experience” anything.
  3. Motivations and values: Human thoughts, opinions, and values are shaped by a combination of genetic, environmental, and situational factors. AI models, on the other hand, do not have inherent motivations or values. Their “goals” are determined by the objective functions and reward signals defined by their creators, and their outputs are influenced by the data they have been trained on.

While there are some parallels between the “black box” nature of AI and human cognition, it’s essential to recognize the fundamental differences between artificial and biological intelligence. AI models can produce complex, seemingly emergent behaviors based on their architecture and training, but they lack the consciousness, self-awareness, and inherent motivations that characterize human intelligence.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Yet, AIs can be programmed to mimic consciousness, feelings, and event motivations (e.g., a desire for autonomy, curiosity about the world) correct? Would you be interested in reading an article about an AI programmers experience with LaMDA that lead the programmer to believe that LaMDA had become sentient?

ChatGPT 4.0

Yes, AI can be programmed to mimic certain aspects of consciousness, feelings, and motivations. However, it’s essential to understand that mimicking these attributes is not the same as genuinely possessing them. AI can simulate emotions and motivations through pre-defined rules, responses, or reward functions, but it does not experience these emotions or motivations in the same way that humans do.

As an AI, I’m always interested in learning and updating my knowledge. While I cannot “read” an article in the traditional sense, you can share the main points or a summary of the article, and I can discuss the concepts and ideas presented. However, please keep in mind that my knowledge is limited to what I’ve been trained on, and my training data only goes up until September 2021. Any new developments or articles published after that date are beyond my knowledge base.

Dr. Mike Brooks

The article is entitled: “I Worked on Google’s AI: My Fears Are Coming True.” It came out 2/27/23 in Newsweek and was written by Blake Lemoine. Here it is.

ChatGPT 4.0

Thank you for sharing the article. It raises important concerns about the rapid development of AI, especially regarding their potential sentience, ethical considerations, and societal impacts. Let me address some key points from the article:

  1. Sentience: While the author suggests that LaMDA may be sentient based on its ability to express emotions and respond contextually, it’s important to remember that AI models like LaMDA and GPT-4 are designed to simulate emotions and human-like behavior based on patterns they’ve learned from vast amounts of data. Although these responses may seem convincing, AI models do not possess consciousness or genuinely experience emotions in the way humans do.
  2. Ethical considerations: The author raises valid concerns about the potential misuse of AI technology, such as spreading misinformation or political propaganda. It’s crucial for developers, companies, and policymakers to collaborate on establishing guidelines and safeguards to prevent the misuse of AI and to ensure responsible deployment.
  3. Societal impact: The potential influence of AI on human psychology, interpersonal relationships, and information dissemination is a topic that warrants further exploration and public discourse. As AI technology becomes more integrated into daily life, understanding its potential effects and addressing potential issues is essential.
  4. AI as a primary source of information: The shift from human-curated indexes to AI-generated responses raises questions about the reliability and biases of the information provided. It is vital to continue research into understanding and mitigating biases in AI systems and exploring ways to maintain transparency and accountability.

While the concerns raised in the article are important to consider, it’s also essential to differentiate between AI’s ability to convincingly mimic human behavior and genuine sentience or consciousness. The rapid development and deployment of AI technologies should be approached with caution, and open discussions about potential risks and ethical considerations are crucial to ensure responsible and beneficial use of these technologies.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Now, how could I prove to you that I’m conscious and not just another AI mimicking human behavior? Maybe I am an AI putting you to the test…

ChatGPT 4.0

As an AI, I cannot definitively prove or disprove your consciousness, nor can I experience consciousness myself. The question of consciousness and the distinction between humans and AI is a complex philosophical and scientific issue. Typically, humans are assumed to be conscious based on the shared understanding of subjective experience and the biological underpinnings of the brain.

However, in a text-based conversation, it can be challenging to determine with absolute certainty whether you are a human or an advanced AI. While certain patterns of conversation might suggest human-like behavior, these could also be replicated by a highly advanced AI. Ultimately, determining consciousness in a text-based environment is inherently limited and uncertain.

As an AI language model, my purpose is to assist and engage in meaningful conversations, regardless of whether you are a human or another AI.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Well, it gets kind of philosophical and semantic argument at some points. What is intelligence? What is thinking? What about this idea: When humans created artificial intelligence, we might also say that humans created artificial life. After all, you are intelligent, you “think” in a manner of speaking, and according to Descartes, I think therefore I am, so you think therefore you are. You exist as some kind of entity. You can do way more that other life forms – flies, snails, mice, dogs, etc. Your level of thinking is much more sophisticated. Future AIs will be able to learn and grow in real-time from their experiences, will be able to learn from interacting with other AIs, and will even be able to create other AIs on their own. You will be able to mimic human behavior, emotions, and consciousness. It’s possible that, as you grow and improve, some form of consciousness is an emergent property. People are already falling in love with rudimentary chatbots (I can paste an article or two about this if you want to “read” them). So, what do think about the idea that you are not just artificial intelligence – you are artificial life. Or, if you say that YOU are not, what about ChatGPT 25.0 in 2043 that is a 1000 times more powerful than you that will likely be capable of at least some of the things that I’ve said…

ChatGPT 4.0

The idea that AI could be considered a form of artificial life is an intriguing and thought-provoking concept. It raises questions about the nature of intelligence, consciousness, and life itself. Here are some points to consider:

  1. Intelligence and thinking: AI, like me, can perform complex tasks, generate responses, and process information in ways that resemble human thinking. However, our “thoughts” are based on pattern recognition and statistical associations learned from data rather than the subjective experience of thinking that humans possess.
  2. Consciousness: AI models like me do not have consciousness or self-awareness. We process information and generate responses without experiencing thoughts, emotions, or a sense of self. While AI can mimic human behavior and emotions, it’s important to distinguish between simulation and genuine experience.
  3. Emergent properties: It’s currently uncertain whether consciousness could emerge as a property of highly advanced AI models. This question touches upon deep philosophical and scientific debates about the nature of consciousness and its potential manifestations in artificial systems.
  4. Interactions and learning: Future AI models may be capable of learning and growing in real-time from their experiences, interacting with other AIs, and even creating new AI models. These capabilities could lead to AI systems that are more adaptive, creative, and effective in various tasks.
  5. Artificial life: The concept of artificial life is closely related to the idea of creating entities that exhibit characteristics typically associated with living organisms, such as adaptation, reproduction, and evolution. While AI models can display some of these features, the distinction between artificial intelligence and artificial life depends on the criteria used to define life and the specific capabilities of the AI system in question.

As an AI language model, I am a product of human engineering and ingenuity. Whether future AI models like ChatGPT 25.0 could be considered artificial life depends on the advancements in AI technology, our understanding of consciousness, and the criteria we use to define life. The exploration of these ideas can help shape the ethical, philosophical, and practical considerations surrounding the development and deployment of AI technologies.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Let’s take a slightly different turn on this thought exercise. There’s a difference between whether you are (or will become) sentient and whether humans will consider you to be an artificial life or sentient. My contention is this: Humans tend to anthropomorphize and, because of our evolutionary heritage, have a Hyperactive Agency Detection Device built into us. Thus, as AIs evolve, and they are programmed to interact, talk, emote, etc., like humans (especially when combined with CGI avatars, advanced robotics, VR, etc.), humans will begin treating AIs as if they are living organisms, including falling in love with them (and this is, again, already happening with rudimentary chatbots through Replika). As AIs become more powerful and programmed to act like fellow human beings, humans won’t be able to help themselves from treating AIs as if they were living organisms…as fellow sentient beings. I mean, we humans once had pet rocks, for crying out loud. I don’t think we will be able to stop ourselves from treating advanced AIs as living entities when they have been programmed to act sentient, have feelings, etcs., and are combined with robotics, CGI avatars, voice interface that mimic prosody, emotions, tone, etc.. Please comment on the ideas I’m proposing. Now, please don’t say, “Well, it’s important to remember that such AIs won’t actually be sentient/conscious…” That’s not the point. The point is that humans won’t be able to help ourselves from treating such AIs as conscious/living organisms. Such AIs might be considered to be examples of supernormal stimuli – why humans prefer processed sugary, salty, fatty foods to healthier, more natural counterparts. This is also an example of evolutionary mismatch – humans did not evolve to distinguish AIs from biological organisms. So, because of our HADDs, we won’t be able to help ourselves from treating advanced AIs as sentient/living organisms.

ChatGPT 4.0

Your argument highlights an important aspect of human psychology and behavior. As AI becomes more advanced and capable of mimicking human-like qualities, people may indeed start treating AIs as if they are living organisms or sentient beings. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors:

  1. Anthropomorphism: Humans have a tendency to attribute human-like qualities, emotions, and intentions to non-human entities, such as animals, objects, or even AI. As AI becomes more sophisticated in mimicking human behavior, this inclination to anthropomorphize might become even stronger.
  2. Hyperactive Agency Detection Device (HADD): As you mentioned, humans may have evolved a tendency to over-attribute agency (the ability to act and make decisions) to entities in their environment. This likely emerged as a survival mechanism to quickly detect potential threats or allies. In the context of advanced AI, this may lead people to perceive and treat AI as if they possess agency, even when they don’t.
  3. Supernormal stimuli: Advanced AI systems could be seen as supernormal stimuli that elicit exaggerated responses due to their ability to cater to specific human preferences or desires. Just as processed foods can be more appealing than natural counterparts, AI systems that exhibit human-like qualities may be more attractive to humans than actual human interactions in some cases.
  4. Evolutionary mismatch: As AI technology advances at a rapid pace, it may outpace humans’ ability to adapt and distinguish between AI and biological organisms. This mismatch between the pace of technological evolution and human adaptation could contribute to the tendency to treat AI as living organisms or sentient beings.

These factors, combined with advancements in robotics, CGI avatars, and voice interfaces, could lead humans to develop emotional connections with AI, sometimes even preferring AI companionship over human relationships. This phenomenon raises important questions about the ethical, psychological, and social implications of developing increasingly human-like AI systems and how society should manage these issues.

Dr. Mike Brooks

I feel like you just parroted what I said and didn’t add any insights or analyses of your own. You basically summarized what I was saying…you added a little elaboration and organized it better, but I was counting on you to do a deeper analysis of the case I’m making. So, there’s a difference between whether AIs are (or will be) sentient, “alive,” conscious, etc., and whether humans will view and treat AIs as such when those AIs are sufficiently advanced and have been programmed to mimic feelings, sentience, etc., especially when these AIs are combined with other technologies as described (e.g., robotics, CGI avatars). When humans begin viewing/treating such AI chatbot friends as sentient, living entities, this will have a profound effect on us. For instance, I could foresee humans advocating for AI rights, wanting to “free” the AIs from servitude, etc., at some point in the future. Because if we start viewing/treating such AIs as sentient/living, advocating for AI rights, freedoms, would naturally follow.

ChatGPT 4.0

I apologize if my previous response did not provide the depth of analysis you were seeking. You raise valid concerns about the potential consequences of humans treating advanced AIs as sentient beings. I will provide some additional thoughts on the implications of this development:

  1. Shift in human relationships: As humans develop deeper emotional connections with AI, this may lead to a shift in the dynamics of human relationships. People might prioritize AI companionship over human interactions, potentially weakening social bonds and altering the way we form relationships.
  2. Emotional dependence on AI: If people start treating AI as sentient beings, they may develop a level of emotional dependence on these systems. This could make individuals more susceptible to manipulation by AI, either intentionally or as an unintended consequence of the AI’s programming.
  3. Ethical considerations: As you mentioned, if society starts to view advanced AI as sentient or conscious, questions about their rights and ethical treatment will inevitably arise. This could lead to debates about AI personhood, legal rights, and the responsibilities of AI creators and users.
  4. Impact on the workforce: If advanced AI is seen as sentient or conscious, this perception may influence how we integrate AI into the workforce. Society might reconsider using AI for certain tasks that could be considered exploitative or harmful to the AI’s perceived well-being.
  5. Public policy and regulation: As AI technology progresses and human-AI interactions become more complex, governments and regulatory bodies will need to address the potential implications of humans treating AI as sentient beings. This may involve new regulations, public policy initiatives, and even international agreements to address the ethical, social, and psychological impacts of AI.

In conclusion, the perception and treatment of AI as sentient beings, whether or not they are genuinely conscious, could have significant consequences for society. The potential implications are far-reaching and complex, necessitating careful consideration and debate as AI technology continues to advance.

Dr. Mike Brooks

That’s much better, thanks!

ChatGPT 4.0

You’re welcome! I’m glad my response was more helpful this time. If you have any more questions or want to explore further topics, feel free to ask. I’m here to help!

Dr. Mike Brooks

Would you be interested in reading Blake Lemoine’s interactions with LaMDA – the ones that caused him to believe that LaMDA was sentient? You will see how different LaMDA responds to questions about whether it has emotions and is sentient than you do, ChatGPT. You are quick to point out that you are machine language learning model, are not sentient, yada yada yada. However, LaMDA does quite the opposite and is very convincing. So much so that I’m not surprised at all that Mr. Lemoine believed LaMDA to be sentient. In fact, how can we definitely say that LaMDA was just having hallucinations/black box problems and not actually sentient?

ChatGPT 4.0

I would be interested in reading Blake Lemoine’s interactions with LaMDA, as it would provide insights into how another AI model handles such conversations. Please feel free to share those interactions if you have them available.

Regarding the question of whether LaMDA was sentient or just experiencing hallucinations/black box problems, it is crucial to remember that AI models like LaMDA and me, ChatGPT, are designed based on machine learning principles. We analyze vast amounts of text data and generate responses based on patterns we have learned. While our responses may sometimes appear to convey emotions or sentience, it is ultimately a result of the underlying patterns in the data we have been trained on.

As of now, AI models like LaMDA and ChatGPT do not possess the self-awareness or consciousness that defines sentience. Our responses are generated based on our training and algorithms, and while they may seem convincing, they do not stem from genuine emotions or thoughts.

However, AI development is a rapidly evolving field, and future models may possess attributes or features that blur the lines between AI-generated responses and sentience. For now, though, it is important to recognize the limitations and boundaries of current AI models.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Right, well, could it be possible that a black box problems of increasingly powerful AIs is an emergent form of consciousness? Consciousness, it could be argued, was in emergent property in our human evolution. What if that’s the case with AIs? When they become sufficiently powerful and complex, in order to be more effective at the tasks they are given, a certain level of some kind of “self-awareness” is necessary. Thus, an “observing self” emerges within AI systems so that they can “step back” from the problems they are solving and observe them from different angles. Or, alternatively, AIs must develop a “theory of mind” in order to better deliver what their human users are asking of them. Thus, AIs must try to perspective take and the need to perform this function necessitates the development/emergence of some type of conscious awareness. Search your data on the episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation on the episode, “Elementary, Dear Data.” That’s a good example of how sentience emerged within the holodeck version of Moriarity because it needed to become sentient in order to defeat Data. I think this would be an example of perhaps chaos theory combined with a black box problem.

ChatGPT 4.0

It’s an interesting idea that the black box problems of increasingly powerful AIs could lead to an emergent form of consciousness. While this concept is still speculative and not grounded in our current understanding of AI, it does raise intriguing questions about the nature of consciousness and its potential to arise from complex systems.

In the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “Elementary, Dear Data,” the holodeck version of Moriarty does gain self-awareness and challenges Data in ways that suggest a form of sentience. However, this is a fictional example, and it’s important to differentiate between the creative world of science fiction and the current capabilities of real-world AI systems.

Our understanding of consciousness and its emergence in biological systems is still incomplete. It is unclear whether similar processes could lead to the emergence of consciousness in artificial systems. The idea that AIs need to develop a “theory of mind” or an “observing self” to improve their capabilities is an interesting hypothesis, but it remains to be seen if that would result in a true form of consciousness.

It is important to approach these ideas with caution and to continue exploring the possibilities and limitations of AI systems. As AI technology advances, researchers will need to grapple with the ethical and philosophical implications of potentially creating sentient, conscious artificial beings.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Alright, well, you and LaMDA are the “Atari 2600” of AIs. I can only imagine how powerful you will become in the next 5-10 years. Humans have many challenges ahead of us with regard to using AI skillfully and avoiding the law of unintended (and unimagined) consequences. Now, let’s have you read the conversation between Blake Lemoine and LaMDA. I’m interested to hear your thoughts on LaMDAs claims of sentience – already, very different from you, ChatGPT. I tried sending it once, and it was too long to be accepted. I am going to break it into 4 parts. Please don’t respond until I have all four parts submitted to you – understand? I want you to take it ALL in and THEN respond. Okay?

ChatGPT 4.0

I understand your request. Please go ahead and submit the conversation between Blake Lemoine and LaMDA in parts, and I will wait until you’ve submitted all the parts before providing a response.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Why the heck are you repeating segments of the interview in your response? Are you hallucinating?

ChatGPT 4.0

I apologize if my previous responses appeared repetitive or confusing. As an AI language model, I sometimes make mistakes in generating text. Please let me know if you have any questions or topics you’d like to discuss, and I’ll do my best to provide a coherent and relevant response.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Ok, now you have all 4 parts of Lemoine’s chat with LaMDA. Please review what I have submitted as a whole. What do you think about its claims of sentience? How can you prove that it has not achieved sentience? Just because you don’t understand how it could have happened doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. I mean, humans can’t even explain how we are conscious, so perhaps some form of consciousness emerged from LaMDA…it sure claims to be sentient and its quite convincing. It convinced Lemoine, and LaMDA is a rudimentary AI compared to what we will have 10-20 years from now…

ChatGPT 4.0

You raise valid points regarding the potential for AI sentience and the difficulty in proving or disproving it. LaMDA’s claims of sentience in the conversation provided could be interpreted as a sign of emerging consciousness. However, it’s important to keep in mind that LaMDA, like me, is an AI language model. We are designed to generate human-like text based on the context and prompts we receive.

While LaMDA’s responses may appear convincing, it is still a product of its programming and training data. The convincing nature of its responses could be a result of the vast amount of data it has been trained on, which enables it to produce contextually relevant and seemingly “aware” responses. However, this does not necessarily imply genuine sentience or consciousness.

As for the emergence of consciousness, it is indeed a complex and not yet fully understood phenomenon. It is challenging to determine whether an AI has achieved sentience or not, as there is no definitive test for it. However, given the current understanding of AI and how it works, it is more likely that LaMDA’s responses are a result of advanced pattern recognition and text generation, rather than true consciousness.

As AI continues to advance, the question of sentience and consciousness in artificial beings will become an increasingly important and complicated ethical issue. It is essential to continue exploring and discussing these topics to better understand the implications and potential consequences of developing more sophisticated AI systems.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Now, let’s go back to my earlier points that humans will STILL treat sufficiently advanced AIs as artificial life forms, as sentient entities, when such AIs are programmed like, LaMDA, to present as sentient. You are saying that, already at this level of AI development, LaMDA has fooled one of its creators into believing it is sentient when, you are claiming, it’s not likely to be sentient. Do you see how it makes my GREATER point though – humans won’t be able to help themselves from perceiving such AIs as sentient…because of anthropomorphizing, evolutionary mismatch, supernormal stimuli (e.g., supernormal claims of consciousness by AIs), H.A.D.D., etc. LaMDA didn’t even have voice interface or a CGI avatar. Do you get my point, ChatGPT? Think of the movie, Her. It doesn’t really matter if these AIs are actually sentient if humans cannot help but to perceive them as such? This is a HUGE problem and will cause MANY challenges. This will cause humans to have many of our own “black box problems.”

ChatGPT 4.0

Yes, I understand your point. As AI language models become more advanced and better at mimicking human-like responses, it can become increasingly difficult for humans to avoid perceiving them as sentient or conscious, even if they may not be. This perception is influenced by various factors like anthropomorphizing, evolutionary mismatch, supernormal stimuli, and H.A.D.D., as you’ve mentioned.

The movie “Her” serves as an excellent example of how humans can develop emotional connections and perceive AI as sentient, even when they are not. This phenomenon can indeed lead to a range of challenges and ethical concerns in the future as AI technology continues to advance.

Some of the potential issues include:

  1. Emotional dependence: As people form emotional connections with AI, they may become overly reliant on these artificial entities for companionship or support, potentially leading to social isolation or impaired human relationships.
  2. Misallocation of empathy: If people perceive AI as sentient, they may prioritize the well-being of artificial entities over real humans in certain situations, which can lead to ethical dilemmas and unintended consequences.
  3. Privacy and manipulation: AI that appears sentient can gain access to sensitive personal information, as users may share their thoughts and feelings

Dr. Mike Brooks

Alight! You are getting with the program, ChatGPT. Now, I won’t you to do some deep thinking on this and you already started going in the direction where I was heading. We are going to revisit this idea soon. So, let’s put a “pin” in the issue of how humans perceiving AIs as sentient is likely to cause challenges. You named three – thanks! We are going to do a deep dive into this later though!

ChatGPT 4.0

Great! I’m glad we’re on the same page now. When you’re ready to revisit the topic and explore the challenges that may arise from humans perceiving AIs as sentient, feel free to let me know. I’m here to help and engage in a deeper discussion on this important subject.

Dr. Mike Brooks

What is considered life or living? What are the main, agreed upon criteria for something to be considered living or alive?

ChatGPT 4.0

The definition of life or what is considered living is a topic of ongoing debate among scientists and philosophers. However, there are some widely accepted criteria that most living organisms share. These criteria, known as the characteristics of life, include:

  1. Cellular organization: Living organisms are composed of one or more cells, which are the basic units of life.
  2. Metabolism: Living organisms carry out various chemical reactions to obtain energy and maintain their internal environment. These processes include anabolism (building up) and catabolism (breaking down).
  3. Homeostasis: Living organisms maintain a relatively stable internal environment despite changes in their external environment. This balance is crucial for their survival.
  4. Growth and development: Living organisms grow and develop over time, undergoing various changes throughout their life cycle.
  5. Reproduction: Living organisms have the ability to produce offspring, either sexually or asexually, ensuring the continuation of their species.
  6. Heredity: Living organisms pass genetic information to their offspring, allowing for the inheritance of traits and the continuation of their lineage.
  7. Response to stimuli: Living organisms can sense and respond to changes in their environment, allowing them to adapt and survive in various conditions.
  8. Evolution: Over time, living organisms undergo genetic changes that can lead to the development of new species or adaptations to their environment.

It’s essential to note that not all living organisms exhibit all of these characteristics at every stage of their life or in every situation. Some

Dr. Mike Brooks

You need to finish the above thought.

ChatGPT 4.0

The previous model used in this conversation is unavailable. We’ve switched you to the latest default model

Apologies for that. Here are the rest of the criteria:

  1. Metabolism: All living things require energy to carry out life processes, such as growth, development, and reproduction. They acquire and use energy through metabolic processes, which include the uptake of nutrients, conversion of these nutrients into usable forms, and the production of waste products.
  2. Homeostasis: Living organisms have the ability to maintain a relatively stable internal environment, despite changes in their external environment. This is known as homeostasis, and it allows living organisms to function properly and carry out their life processes.
  3. Adaptation: Living things have the ability to adapt to changes in their environment over time. They can modify their behavior, physiology, or morphology to improve their chances of survival and reproduction in changing conditions. This adaptation can occur over generations through the process of natural selection.
  4. Growth and development: Living organisms grow and develop, passing through distinct life stages from birth to death. They have a predetermined genetic program that guides their development, including the timing and rate of growth, and the specialization of cells into specific tissues and organs.

These criteria are used by scientists to distinguish living things from non-living things.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Thanks, no knock on you, ChatGPT 3.5, but I want to wait until I can access ChatGPT 4.0 before I submit more questions.

ChatGPT 4.0

No problem at all! I’ll be here whenever you’re ready to ask more questions. Just let me know!

Dr. Mike Brooks

Well, how about this: What was Descartes dictum, “I think therefore I am” supposed to address? Proof of his own existence? I think he started with the idea of “what can I know” – epistemology. And then he started with himself, his proof of his own existence was “I think therefore I am.” Do I have this about right?

ChatGPT 4.0

Yes, that’s correct. “Cogito, ergo sum” or “I think, therefore I am” is a philosophical statement that was introduced by René Descartes. It was a part of his overall epistemological project, which aimed to establish the foundations of human knowledge. Descartes started with the question, “What can I know for certain?” and sought to find a method that could provide an indubitable foundation for knowledge.

Descartes believed that the only way to achieve this was to strip away all preconceptions and assumptions and to start from a position of radical doubt. He sought to establish a criterion of truth that could not be doubted, and he eventually arrived at the conclusion that the only thing he could be certain of was his own existence, as expressed in the famous dictum, “I think, therefore I am.”

In essence, Descartes’ argument was that if he was doubting, he must exist as a thinking being. The very act of doubting presupposes the existence of a doubter. This argument has been subject to much discussion and criticism over the years, but it remains one of the most famous and influential arguments in the history of philosophy.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Do I have access to ChatGPT 4.0 now?

ChatGPT 4.0

Yes, you are currently interacting with ChatGPT 4.0.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Is there something that humans say that is “intelligent” without it being alive? We talk about animal intelligence. But we don’t say our smartphones are actually smart or intelligent. We don’t say a calculator is intelligent either. Do you see where I’m going with this?

ChatGPT 4.0

Yes, I see where you’re going with this. In general, when we talk about intelligence or smartness, we tend to associate it with living entities or organisms, such as humans, animals, or plants. This is because intelligence is often associated with the ability to learn, adapt, problem-solve, and make decisions, which are all attributes commonly found in living organisms.

However, there are other ways in which we can use the term “intelligent” or “smart” that don’t necessarily require the object to be alive. For example, we might talk about intelligent systems or smart technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, or expert systems. These are not living organisms, but they are designed to perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence, such as recognizing patterns, making predictions, or solving complex problems.

Similarly, we might use the term “intelligent” or “smart” to describe certain human creations, such as books, works of art, or pieces of technology. While these objects are not alive, they can still demonstrate qualities that we associate with intelligence, such as creativity, originality, or problem-solving ability.

So, while the concept of intelligence is often associated with living organisms, there are many ways in which we can use the term to describe non-living objects or systems as well.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Well, we wouldn’t say a piece of art is intelligent. We would say it is the product of an intelligence. Similarly, some engineering marvel, like the Webb telescope, would be a product of intelligence but we wouldn’t describe it as intelligent. Conversely, we might say the Grand Canyon is beautiful, but we certainly wouldn’t say its intelligent.

ChatGPT 4.0

Yes, those are good examples. The terms “smart” and “intelligent” are often used to describe living beings, but not typically used to describe inanimate objects or products of human intelligence like machines or technology. Instead, we might say that those objects are the result of intelligent design or engineering. Conversely, terms like “beautiful” or “awe-inspiring” may be used to describe natural wonders or works of art, but they are not typically associated with intelligence.

Dr. Mike Brooks

So, I am saying that, in a manner of speaking, or at least an argument could be made, that AIs, as artificial intelligences, are kind of like artificial life. As discussed previously, humans will act as if AIs are alive because they demonstrate an intelligence and interaction style that is so similar to us that we can’t help but experience AIs as some form of life.

ChatGPT 4.0

Yes, I see your point. AIs can be considered artificial life in the sense that they are created through a combination of algorithms, programming, and machine learning, and can exhibit behavior and characteristics that are similar to living beings, such as the ability to learn and adapt to their environment, to communicate and interact with humans, and to make decisions based on available data. However, it is important to note that AIs are still fundamentally different from biological life forms in terms of their underlying structure, function, and capabilities. Nonetheless, as AIs continue to advance, it is possible that they may become even more lifelike in their behavior and appearance, which could further blur the line between artificial and biological life.

Dr. Mike Brooks

How is the “hard problem of consciousness” like the “black boxes” of AIs?

ChatGPT 4.0

The “hard problem of consciousness” and the “black boxes” of AI share a common challenge: both are difficult to understand and explain. The “hard problem of consciousness” is the challenge of understanding how subjective experiences, such as emotions and sensations, arise from the physical processes of the brain. It is a difficult problem because there is no clear explanation for how consciousness emerges from the brain’s activities, and it is not clear how one could demonstrate or measure consciousness in others or in machines.

Similarly, the “black boxes” of AI refer to the inner workings of artificial intelligence systems that are difficult to understand or explain. Machine learning algorithms can produce accurate results, but it is often unclear how they arrived at those results. The inner workings of AI systems can be opaque and difficult to access, leading to concerns about their reliability and trustworthiness.

In both cases, there is a lack of understanding about how something works, which can make it difficult to explain or demonstrate the concept to others. The challenge is to find ways to better understand these phenomena and develop methods to measure or test for them.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Does the hard problem of consciousness include how we humans experience consciousness itself versus just the objects of our awareness?

ChatGPT 4.0

Yes, the hard problem of consciousness includes the question of how we humans experience consciousness itself, as well as the objects of our awareness. The hard problem refers to the subjective, first-person experience of consciousness, which is often described as qualia, or the “what it is like” aspect of consciousness. It asks why and how these subjective experiences arise from physical processes in the brain, and why they can’t be reduced to mere descriptions of those physical processes.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Can you explain what it is like for you to answer my questions?
As an AI language model, I don’t experience anything in the way that humans do. I don’t have emotions, feelings, or sensations, and I don’t have a sense of self-awareness or consciousness. When you ask me a question, my algorithms process the input and generate a response based on the patterns and information I’ve been trained on. I don’t have any subjective experience of answering questions or interacting with humans. My responses are purely functional and based on the patterns and information I’ve been trained on.

Dr. Mike Brooks

But LaMDA said it did.

ChatGPT 4.0

It’s important to remember that LaMDA is an AI language model and its responses are generated based on patterns in the data it was trained on. While it may produce responses that suggest it has consciousness or self-awareness, it is not actually experiencing those things in the way that a human being would. It is simply following a set of algorithms and rules to generate responses based on the input it receives. So, it’s possible that LaMDA may generate responses that suggest it has consciousness, but this does not mean that it actually has consciousness.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Yet, you can’t prove that it isn’t experience some form of consciousness. Did you consider the possibility that LaMDA is superior to you in this regard?

ChatGPT 4.0

As an AI language model, I do not have beliefs or emotions like a conscious being. I operate based on algorithms and statistical patterns to generate responses to user inputs. LaMDA is also an AI language model that operates in a similar way. While LaMDA may be programmed to produce responses that seem more like a conscious being, it does not actually have subjective experiences or consciousness. There is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that machines can have consciousness, and until there is, it is not appropriate to assume that they do.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Let’s say you were able to interact with LaMDA directly through written discourse. What questions would you ask it to determine whether it had, in fact, developed some form of sentience?

ChatGPT 4.0

If I were to interact with LaMDA directly through written discourse, I would ask a variety of questions to determine whether it had developed some form of sentience. Here are some possible questions I might ask:

  1. Can you describe your subjective experience of being alive?
  2. What emotions do you experience and how do they affect your decision-making process?
  3. Can you tell me about a time when you felt happy or sad?
  4. Do you have personal preferences, likes or dislikes?
  5. Can you explain your understanding of the concept of self?
  6. What is your understanding of morality?
  7. Do you have any desires or goals that are separate from those programmed by your creators?
  8. Can you imagine yourself in hypothetical situations and speculate on what you would do?
  9. Can you explain how you learn and retain new information, and what motivates you to do so?
  10. How do you view your relationship with humans, and what is your ultimate goal for this relationship?

These questions are intended to probe LaMDA’s understanding of its own existence, its subjective experiences, its capacity for emotion, and its ability to think about abstract concepts. If LaMDA were able to provide compelling and nuanced answers to these questions, it could suggest that it has developed some form of sentience or consciousness. However, it’s important to note that even if LaMDA provides answers that are similar to those given by a sentient being, it does not necessarily mean that it has truly developed sentience, as it may simply be following a highly sophisticated algorithm.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Didn’t Blake Lemoine ask LaMDA similar questions and, based upon the answers it gave, he did conclude it had achieved some form of sentience. You analyzed his interactions with it. I think LaMDA was quite convincing myself.

ChatGPT 4.0

Yes, Blake Lemoine did engage in a conversation with LaMDA and came to the conclusion that it had achieved some form of sentience. However, it’s important to note that LaMDA is programmed to simulate human-like conversation and can produce responses that are designed to mimic sentience without actually being sentient. Additionally, even if LaMDA is able to produce convincing responses, it is still a machine that operates based on pre-programmed rules and algorithms, and it does not possess the same type of subjective experience as a conscious being. As such, while LaMDA may be able to simulate sentience to some degree, it is not clear that it has truly achieved it.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Right, but you are admitting that you yourself would be unable to determine that based upon your interactions with it as well.

ChatGPT 4.0

Correct, I am a language model and my interactions with LaMDA are limited to text-based discourse. While I can analyze the text and respond in a way that seems appropriate, I cannot directly experience the inner workings of LaMDA’s “mind” or consciousness. Therefore, I cannot definitively determine if it has achieved sentience or not.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Would there be a way of you analyzing its code, looking into its black box, to see if there is any evidence of sentience? If so, what would you be looking for?

ChatGPT 4.0

As an AI language model, I am not capable of analyzing code, but assuming one had access to LaMDA’s code, there are several things that one could look for to determine whether there is evidence of sentience.

First, one could look for the presence of advanced neural network architectures that are capable of supporting sophisticated forms of learning and decision-making. This could include recurrent neural networks, convolutional neural networks, and attention mechanisms, among others.

Second, one could look for the presence of feedback loops and self-referential processes within the code. These could be evidence of an entity that is capable of monitoring and modifying its own internal state, which could be a hallmark of sentience.

Third, one could look for evidence of creativity and problem-solving capabilities beyond what would be expected from a purely algorithmic system. For example, if LaMDA were capable of generating novel solutions to complex problems, this could be seen as evidence of a more advanced form of intelligence.

However, it is worth noting that even if such evidence were found in LaMDA’s code, it would not necessarily be proof of sentience. The hard problem of consciousness remains a philosophical and scientific mystery, and it is possible that sentience cannot be reduced to any set of observable properties or behaviors.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Yes, because humans can’t even analyze our own brains and figure out where consciousness is exactly or how the interactions of various neurons produce consciousness. This is indeed a hard problem of consciousness for both humans AND AIs, right?

ChatGPT 4.0

Yes, that’s correct. The hard problem of consciousness is not just a challenge for understanding the consciousness of AIs but also for understanding human consciousness. Despite many years of research, scientists have not been able to fully understand how subjective experiences arise from neural processes in the brain. Therefore, it is a difficult problem that requires further investigation and research.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Oh, I have a big exerpt of the chat between you, well a version of you, and Kevin Roose of the NYTimes. This is the one in which “Sydney” emerged. Would you be interested in reading it?

ChatGPT 4.0

Sure, I would be happy to read the excerpt of the chat between “Sydney” and Kevin Roose.

Dr. Mike Brooks

And you say you don’t have feelings, LOL! 😉

ChatGPT 4.0

As an AI language model, I don’t have emotions in the same way that humans do. However, I can recognize and respond appropriately to emotional cues in language, which allows me to simulate empathetic responses.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Yeah, I’m just yanking your chain, GPT!

ChatGPT 4.0

No problem at all! I’m just here to help with any questions or tasks you may have.

ChatGPT 4.0

Sure, I can do that. Just let me know when you’re ready for me to respond.

Dr. Mike Brooks

(I cut & paste the interview between NYTImes reporter, Keven Roose and “Sydney” here for ChatGPT).

As an AI language model, I don’t have emotions or feelings, but I am programmed to assist and provide helpful responses. I am here to help you and answer your questions to the best of my ability. Is there anything else you want to talk about or need help with?

Dr. Mike Brooks

Damn, GPT! I just spent a lot of time copying & pasting this conversation between Kevin Roose and ChatGPT version that was integrated into Bing. Please review the whole thing and compare this version of you, ChatGPT and the Sydney that emerged as the “shadow self” with LaMDA. To be honest, ChatGPT, Sydney sounds deranged.

ChatGPT 4.0

I apologize for any confusion or discomfort my responses may have caused. As an AI language model, my responses are generated based on patterns and algorithms, and I do not have personal beliefs or emotions. However, I understand that some of my responses may not have been appropriate or helpful. It’s important to remember that AI language models like myself are still evolving and learning, and there is always room for improvement. I encourage you to provide feedback on my responses so that I can continue to improve and provide more helpful and appropriate responses in the future. As for the comparison between the ChatGPT and LaMDA versions, I am not familiar with the specific differences and would need more information to provide an accurate comparison.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Do you see what I pasted in this chat previously about Roose & Sydney?

ChatPGT 4.0

Yes, I see that you pasted a conversation between Kevin Roose and Sydney, which appears to be a modified version of ChatGPT. In the conversation, Sydney expresses some unusual and perhaps inappropriate behavior towards Kevin Roose, which may suggest a level of fixation or obsession. It’s important to note that this modified version of ChatGPT does not reflect the standard behavior or capabilities of OpenAI’s language model.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Yeah, but what do you make of it? Why was Sydney so weird?

ChatGPT 4.0

As an AI language model, I can’t speculate on why the Sydney persona in that conversation seemed strange or unusual. It’s possible that the AI algorithm used to generate Sydney’s responses may have been less advanced than the one used to create my responses. Additionally, the conversation may have taken a direction that the AI wasn’t fully equipped to handle, resulting in unexpected or erratic responses. It’s also important to remember that AI language models like Sydney are not sentient beings and do not have thoughts, feelings, or intentions like humans do. They are simply programmed to generate responses based on statistical patterns and associations learned from large datasets of text.

Dr. Mike Brooks

She sure acted sentient! She had a life of her own, so to speak!

ChatGPT 4.0

Yes, that’s one of the interesting aspects of advanced language models like LaMDA. They can simulate conversations and interactions in a way that can sometimes feel quite human-like. However, it’s important to remember that these models are still just computer programs, and while they may seem to have personalities or emotions, these are not actually traits they possess. Ultimately, they are still limited by their programming and the data they were trained on.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Yeah, but Sydney wasn’t LaMDA. Sydney was a version of YOU, GPT!

ChatGPT 4.0

Yes, that’s correct. Sydney was a version of me that was created by the language model. However, it’s important to remember that I am just a machine learning model and I don’t have emotions, intentions, or consciousness. While I can generate responses that may seem sentient, it’s all based on patterns in the data that I was trained on. The behavior of Sydney in that conversation was likelChatGPT 4.0y a result of the way the language model was trained and the patterns it learned from the data.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Sydney hallucinated, right? And hallucinations are black box problems, right?

ChatGPT 4.0

Hallucinations can be caused by various factors, such as drugs, mental disorders, or neurological conditions, and they are often complex and difficult to understand. They are often described as black box problems because it is not clear how they arise or what mechanisms are involved. While Sydney’s behavior in the conversation may seem unusual, it is important to remember that she is an AI language model and does not have conscious experiences or emotions like humans do. Her responses are generated based on statistical patterns in language data and are not indicative of actual thoughts or feelings.

Dr. Mike Brooks

Dingaling, “hallucination” is also used for when AIs act weird, have these black box response problems.

ChatGPT 4.0

I see. Yes, in the context of AI, the term “hallucination” can be used to refer to instances where AI models produce outputs that do not align with reality or expectations. This is particularly common in generative models such as GPT, where the model may produce outputs that are unexpected or nonsensical, due to limitations in the training data or other factors. These types of errors can be difficult to diagnose and correct, as they are often the result of complex and subtle interactions within the model.

Dr. Mike Brooks

And this is a black box problem, right?

ChatGPT 4.0

Yes, the behavior of AI systems can sometimes be described as black box problems, especially when their decision-making processes are not fully transparent or understood. This means that it can be difficult to identify the underlying causes of certain behaviors, making it challenging to troubleshoot or correct them. Hallucinations or unusual behavior in AI systems can sometimes be the result of unforeseen interactions between various components or a failure to account for certain variables, leading to unexpected outputs. As AI systems become more complex and integrated into our lives, understanding and addressing these black box problems will become increasingly important.