“Rethink Priorities’ Digital Consciousness Project Announcement” by Bob Fischer, Derek Shiller, Hayley Clatterbuck, arvomm

One of the core questions regarding the moral status of AI concerns their consciousness. Is there anything it's like to be them? Contemporary AI systems are widely regarded as clearly not conscious, but there seems to be growing concern among experts that we may see conscious AI systems in the not-too-distant future. Understanding our duties to the AI systems we create will involve assessing the nature of their minds, and thus their moral status. There are many important questions about AI minds that bear on their moral status, but whether they are consciousness has a clear and widely recognized role. In addition, it may be important in securing or denying AIs the public's moral consideration. Existing consciousness research revolves first and foremost around human beings. The physical bases (or neural correlates) of consciousness in humans remain uncertain. Leading proposals are both vague and highly controversial. Extending theories of consciousness [...] The original text contained 1 image which was described by AI. --- First published: July 5th, 2024 Source: https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/yLzHyDvfR6skhwLcZ/rethink-priorities-digital-consciousness-project --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.