Matt Mahoney wrote:
--- On Mon, 11/17/08, Richard Loosemore <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Okay, let me phrase it like this: I specifically say (or rather I
should have done... this is another thing I need to make more
explicit!) that the predictions are about making alterations at
EXACTLY the boundary of the "analysis mechanisms".
So, when we test the predictions, we must first understand the
mechanics of human (or AGI) cognition well enough to be able to
locate the exact scope of the analysis mechanisms.
Then, we make the tests by changing things around just outside the
reach of those mechanisms.
Then we ask subjects (human or AGI) what happened to their
subjective experiences. If the subjects are ourselves - which I
strongly suggest must be the case - then we can ask ourselves what
happened to our subjective experiences.
My prediction is that if the swaps are made at that boundary, then
things will be as I state. But if changes are made within the
scope of the analysis mechanisms, then we will not see those
changes in the qualia.
So the theory could be falsified if changes in the qualia are NOT
consistent with the theory, when changes are made at different
points in the system. The theory is all about the analysis
mechanisms being the culprit, so in that sense it is extremely
falsifiable.
Now, correct me if I am wrong, but is there anywhere else in the
literature where you have you seen anyone make a prediction that
the qualia will be changed by the alteration of a specific
mechanism, but not by other, fairly similar alterations?
Your predictions are not testable. How do you know if another person
has experienced a change in qualia, or is simply saying that they do?
If you do the experiment on yourself, how do you know if you really
experience a change in qualia, or only believe that you do?
There is a difference, you know. Belief is only a rearrangement of
your neurons. I have no doubt that if you did the experiments you
describe, that the brains would be rearranged consistently with your
predictions. But what does that say about consciousness?
Yikes, whatever happened to the incorrigibility of belief?!
You seem to have a bone or two to pick with Descartes: please don't ask me!
Richard Loosemore
-------------------------------------------
agi
Archives: https://www.listbox.com/member/archive/303/=now
RSS Feed: https://www.listbox.com/member/archive/rss/303/
Modify Your Subscription:
https://www.listbox.com/member/?member_id=8660244&id_secret=120640061-aded06
Powered by Listbox: http://www.listbox.com
