Does artificial intelligence exhibit basic fundamental subjectivity? A neurophilosophical argument

Artificial intelligence does not exhibit basic subjectivity, the foundational feature required for consciousness or self. Subjectivity, defined by perspectiveness and mineness of experience, ontologically traces to a point of view. Adopting a non-reductive neurophilosophical approach, the point of view comprises a neuroecological layer mediated by timescales of world and brain, and a higher-order mental layer. Empirical data on the sense of self support this layered view. Current AI lacks these timescales and a point of view with perspectiveness and mineness. Thus, models like ChatGPT and similar technologies do not possess basic subjectivity, making consciousness or self impossible in their current state.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Does artificial intelligence (AI) exhibit consciousness or self? While this question is hotly debated, here we take a slightly different stance by focusing on those features that make possible both, namely a basic or fundamental subjectivity. Learning from humans and their brain, we first ask what we mean by subjectivity. Subjectivity is manifest in the perspectiveness and mineness of our experience which, ontologically, can be traced to a point of view. Adopting a non-reductive neurophilosophical strategy, we assume that the point of view exhibits two layers, a most basic neuroecological and higher order mental layer. The neuroecological layer of the point of view is mediated by the timescales of world and brain, as further evidenced by empirical data on our sense of self. Are there corresponding timescales shared with the world in AI and is there a point of view with perspectiveness and mineness? Discussing current neuroscientific evidence, we deny that current AI exhibits a point of view, let alone perspectiveness and mineness. We therefore conclude that, as per current state, AI does not exhibit a basic or fundamental subjectivity and henceforth no consciousness or self is possible in models such as ChatGPT and similar technologies.