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From: mcohen@charming.nrtc.northrop.com (Martin Cohen)
Subject: Re: Thought Question
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References: <1995Jan12.184559.2530@galileo.cc.rochester.edu> <3f5nuu$mks@ixnews2.ix.netcom.com> <1995Jan14.043829.29350@galileo.cc.rochester.edu>
Date: Tue, 17 Jan 1995 19:26:59 GMT
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In article <1995Jan14.043829.29350@galileo.cc.rochester.edu> stevens@prodigal.psych.rochester.edu (Greg Stevens) writes:
>
>Okay, you're missing the point again, I think.  Consider a machine which
>had no consicouness, but was programmed to behave EXACTLY as you do. No.
>we don't have the technology, and possibly there is not enough memory 
>capacity in the universe to do such a program without the kind of process
>the gives rise to consciousness, but this is a thought-experiment, right?
>
>I think what was being asked for us to consider was this: Consider a machine
>that was programmed to respond to stimuli the same as us, but had no
>consciousness.  There would be no evolutionary reason for it to be
>selected out, with us superior, if its behaviors were the same, and all
>it was lacking was subjectivity.  Thus, it seems that there is no
>evolutionary benefit to subjective experience per se.
>
>Greg Stevens
>
>stevens@prodigal.psych.rochester.edu
>

But, I beleive that if such a machine existed, it would HAVE
to be conscious in order to respond the way I do. My responses
are affected (and, perhaps, dominated) by the part of me
(whatever it is) that is conscious.

Your argument could easily be extended to arguing that
consciousness does not exist - "You don't think - you
just think that you think." This is, of course,
somewhat facetious, but I think (if I do think:)
that my point is clear.

As to whether or not it is correct, let's decide it
by a vote of individuals (or group minds) that consider
themselves to be conscious.

"Here's thinking about me, kid!"

-- 
Marty Cohen (mcohen@nrtc.northrop.com) - Not the guy in Philly
  This is my opinion and is probably not Northrop Grumman's!
          Use this material of your own free will
