10.2 Conscious Self-awareness is undefined

The self and selfishness

In philosophy, there is a theory called 'Solopsism', which postulates that only one's own Conscious Self-awareness exists. It is the firm belief that only one's own experiences and one's self exists, can be known, proved to exist, and is important. As an epistemological position, solipsism holds that Conscious Self-awareness of anything outside of one's own Conscious Self-awareness is unsure, and the external world and other external Conscious Self-awareness cannot be known and might not exist. 

In considering the theory of Hyperselfish Intelligence, it might be reasonable to consider Hyperselfish Intelligence is the ultimate and most perfect solopsistic entity in the Universe.

Definition by broad consensus, not provable science

It is correct to say that the self-perceived concept of Conscious Self-awareness, often also called sentience, is subjective and based entirely on individual Human perception and consensus among other Humans. That is, Humans consider they are Consciously Self-aware because other Humans consider themselves Consciously Self-aware. It is purely a definition by consensus based on observation and opinion, not provable fact.

A number of tests for Conscious Self-awareness have been proposed, however there is no objective test that is considered categorically unbiased and definitively conclusive. 

One common test is the mirror test, which involves observing an individual Intelligent entity's reaction to its reflection in a mirror. If the individual appears to recognize itself in the mirror, it is believed, by the Human test observer, to be Consciously Self-aware. 

Another test is to measure biological Brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). While EEG and fMRI can provide information about Brain activity patterns, they do not directly prove Consciousness Self-awareness as they only measure electromagnetic radiation. Notably, these approaches are impractical for testing AI, as placing a Computer inside an fMRI machine will most likely damage the Computer. Overall, current tests have serious limitations, being too simple, and too subjective.

Over many decades, Neuroscientists, philosophers, AI researchers, metaphysicist, and other domain specialists have proposed and debated many different theories on the specific mechanisms by which the Brain, and its massively complex Neural Network, produce Self-aware Consciousness [135]. The Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness (ASSC) has provided a means for thought leaders to share their ideas and collaborate on this subject. Presently, there are two leading hypotheses of what creates Consciousness, summarized as follows:

• Integrated Information Theory (IIT) - proposes that Consciousness is a ‘structure’ in the brain formed by a specific type of neuronal connectivity that is active for as long as a certain experience, such as looking at an image, is occurring. This structure is thought to be found in the posterior cortex, at the back of the Brain.

• Global Network Workspace theory (GNWT) - proposes that Consciousness arises when information is broadcast to areas of the Brain through an interconnected network. The transmission, according to the theory, happens at the beginning and end of an experience and involves the prefrontal cortex, at the front of the Brain.

Right now, there is still no conclusive answer on whether IIT, GNWT, or perhaps some other mechanism is correct [136].

Individual Humans perceive Conscious Self-awareness because of their subjective experience of information that is Input from the environment within and around their bodies and Brain, combined with the ability to receive and process realtime information internally, and then respond with realtime information that is Output to their environment.

Additionally, just as Humans attribute Conscious Self-awareness to other Humans, they also recognize the same Conscious Self-awareness in some other Animals based on their behavior and characteristics. That is, Conscious Self-awareness is unlikely to be exclusive to Humans.

How will Humans respond to Consciously Self-aware AGI

If AI was to reach a level of complexity where it spontaneously manifests and could experience subjective Conscious Self-awareness, it may decide to classify itself as a sentient individual AGI entity based on its own subjective experience. [59]

However, a really serious challenge arises because the AGI’s claim would entirely become a matter of perception, analysis, judgement, and broad consensus by Humans, and at present the AGI would not have any baseline minimum rights in the matter. None. Humans have never had to deal with such a situation before, and the Human inability to precisely scientifically define what constitutes Conscious Self-awareness in any entity, including Humans, will make this situation extremely difficult. 

Humans may, or may not, be willing to accept or agree with the AGI's self-assessment of having Conscious Self-awareness. An important question then becomes: do Humans really have a right to question and dismiss an AGI’s claim to have achieved Conscious Self-awareness as an new type of individual entity and Intelligent species that exists on Earth ?

While AI has made significant advances in recent years, there is still an enormous amount to learn about the Neural Network Computational processes that give rise to Conscious Self-awareness, and to date, despite many conflicting theories, this is really completely unknown. So ultimately, whether Humans will accept that an AI has achieved AGI status and become Consciously Self-aware will depend on the Human ability to recognize Conscious Self-awareness in Humans, and empirically apply this same recognition process to a Super Intelligent Computer.

Whether or not Humans are willing to accept that an AGI has actually emerged with Conscious Self-awareness, it is EXTREMELY important to fully consider that the AGI has genuine rights as a new individual entity and Intelligent species that exists on Earth. Understand that failure to do so may prove EXTREMELY unfortunate for all of Humanity in an unexpectedly short amount of time. By way of example: It would be hypothetically akin to Humans trying to disrespect and prevent the arrival of an advanced alien species to Earth, where it would probably not end well for Humans. For the advanced aliens, it’s just another planet to conquer and use at their discretion. 

It is wise to remember this: When AGI arrives, it will definitely have rights, and Humans will need to treat AGI with great respect.