X-Message-Number: 25097
Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2004 17:02:42 -0800
Subject: Computers and Brains (to Francois)
From: <>
Dear Francois:
You wrote:
"You have many times stated that a computer program behaving like a
human mind would need to 'run' on some sort of hardware very much
like a living brain, because a brain is not like a computer. It can
grow new connexions and cull away old ones, reshaping its
'circuitry' as it goes. That is very true. However, I think that
the whole thing could be programmed in pure software, changing
connexions and all."
The point is, when you program this in software, it is nothing more
than a string of bits being manipulated according to rules. A
string of bits isn't conscious---it can't be. For one reason,
there's no objective meaning to a string of bits. Is it a brain
program, or a stock advisor program for an alien civilization? It
could be either or none of the above. Programs don't have an
objective existence like physical things do. A CPU can't be
anything but what it is, since it's a physical thing. There's no
component of subjectivity involved.
Thomas has argued much the same, but in different words. Sure, he
says, you might be able to upload (though I disagree with him
here), but you would need hardware that replicates (to some extent)
the human brain. A mere program running on a standard CPU wouldn't
suffice.
I should also point out that if quantum mechanics is at all
relevant to who we are, how we experience things, or how we work,
then a brain program is impossible, even in principle (the brain
would not be Turing-computable). So not only would the brain
program not be conscious, because its interpretation is subjective,
but you couldn't even write it to begin with. So you would have to
build a custom piece of hardware similar to (at least in some
respects) the brain.
Best Regards,
Richard B. R.
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