Consciousness: what it is, where it comes from, do machines can have it and why do we care?

[Birdjaguar]

Of course!
Life is movement. Free will = decision = change.

In a computer game do NPCs exhibit free will when the AI responds to player inputs and changes the NPCs actions?

 

[soundjata]

In a computer game do NPCs exhibit free will when the AI responds to player inputs and changes the NPCs actions?

"Free will" is a flawed concept because it supposes there exists an entity (who is the subject of free will) and there exists a universe of constraints, inside which the entity could move "freely" (without friction!) It really makes no sense

We are machines making decisions based on a lot of random factors. Much like NPCs.
However we are "self conscious". As if we could see ourselves making decisions and forging justifications.

Seeing yourself is defining yourself. Cutting yourself out of reality. A strong illusion!
As soldiers are sent to war high on LSD, our brain is high on "self perception". It will carry our genes a few yards further.

But modernity demands new ways of existence.

 

[Birdjaguar]

So freewill is an illusion?

Bozo Erectus (former CFCer once wrote here: "The Illusion of free will is so complete that it might as well be real."

 

[soundjata]

More of a misconception if I may quibble.
Tell me please who is free from what?

You Birdjaguar (as you existing as an individual entity distinct from the rest of the universe) are an illusion

 

[EvaDK]

So freewill is an illusion?

Who cares?

Let the philosophers have their fun debating that question for another +2,000 years.

 

[Hygro]

It’s important to respect objective material reality. But the margin of safety we have to make declarative reality foundational to our lives and survival is really wide.

I’m willing to bet there will be more descendants making more descendants among flat earthers, 1000 years from now, than my round earther ass.

 

[Birdjaguar]

Who cares?

Let the philosophers have their fun debating that question for another +2,000 years.

Probably the almost 4 billion Christians and Muslims who need the notion of free will to be true or one of their fundamental tenants falls away: Choosing to believe or not believe has consequences for eternity.

 

[EvaDK]

Probably the almost 4 billion Christians and Muslims who need the notion of free will to be true or one of their fundamental tenants falls away: Choosing to believe or not believe has consequences for eternity.

I reckon it is true to them, because they choose to believe. Their faith validates their free will.