What is it Like to Be a Bot: Simulated, Situated, Structurally Coherent Qualia (S3Q) Theory of Consciousness
K. Schmidt, J. Culbertson, C. Cox, H. S. Clouse, O. Larue, M. Molineaux, S. Rogers
arXiv Preprint Archive March 13, 2021 via arXiv
Summary
A new theory proposes that consciousness arises from representational affordances grounded in qualia, the basic units of conscious experience. The theory integrates neuroscience to guide the development of artificially conscious computing by balancing simulation, situatedness, and structural coherence in representations. Representations that achieve a suitable mix of situated and structurally coherent simulation-based qualia are hypothesized to give an agent the flexibility needed to succeed in rapidly changing environments. The approach draws on converging evidence from neuroscientific and modeling experiments.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Consciousness Artificial intelligence Neuroscience q-bio.nc Qualia Simulation theory |
| Key finding | Consciousness can be understood as a balance of simulation, situatedness, and structural coherence in qualia-based representations, which may enable artificial systems to achieve flexibility in dynamic environments. |
Abstract
A novel representationalist theory of consciousness is presented that is grounded in neuroscience and provides a path to artificially conscious computing. Central to the theory are representational affordances of the conscious experience based on the generation of qualia, the fundamental unit of the conscious representation. The current approach is focused on understanding the balance of simulation, situatedness, and structural coherence of artificial conscious representations through converging evidence from neuroscientific and modeling experiments. Representations instantiating a suitable balance of situated and structurally coherent simulation-based qualia are hypothesized to afford the agent the flexibilities required to succeed in rapidly changing environments.