(2021-12-06, 03:47 PM)nbtruthman Wrote: But it seems to me that the basic point is that since AI computers can mimic these computational mental operations in silicon-based hardware, it is at least possible that they are in humans implemented in the physical neuronal network of the brain, regardless of the failure of neuroscientists to tease out the exact nature of how. Whereas the "hard problem" is the fundamental inability, the impossibility, of material computation to generate subjective awareness.
The Hard Problem extends to mental operations - does the computer actually comprehend the results of the mental operations?
If your calculator says 2+2 = 5, is this a mistake or an intentional sabotage by its designer?
Arguably if qualia simply are material, then it's not so impossible to believe a brain is capable of subjectivity. OTOH the operations of the intellect, especially concerning Reason, are far harder to comprehend as being material.
I'd say it's a combination of philosophy of mind/maths and reincarnation evidence that make me lean toward survival.
'Historically, we may regard materialism as a system of dogma set up to combat orthodox dogma...Accordingly we find that, as ancient orthodoxies disintegrate, materialism more and more gives way to scepticism.'
- Bertrand Russell
- Bertrand Russell
![[-]](https://psiencequest.net/forums/images/collapse.png)