Is there a way to verify or falsify the central thesis of my theory?
Yes, an AI must be constructed so that it comes as close as possible to an ideal infinitesimality-structured state, and also so that this state can be brought about continuously. The continuous transition is necessary in order to be able to calculate an expected distribution of outcomes from the i-structured state from the statistical distribution of outcomes from the non-i-structured state in the event that consciousness does not occur. If the expectation occurs, the theory is falsified. If, on the other hand, “anomalies” occur, they support consciousness in the sense of the theory.
How to create artificial consciousness
I am not an engineer, but I would like to convey the idea of how we can create artificial consciousness with free will using the concept of infinitesimality structure. The basic principle is surprisingly simple and has probably already been realized here and there. We need
- near perfect wholeness
- fundamental unpredictability
- the possibility of spontaneous state changes
To understand that the setup I describe below is consciousness with freedom of choice, we need
The setup consists of
- a feedback loop where each sensor is highly sensitive to signals from the other, causing them to continuously trigger and influence each other.
- the motions in this loop must not repeat exactly, i.e. they must contain non-linearities or "chaos" (and dampers).
- an additional sensor X that is sensitive to changes in the loop itself
- the activation of this sensor must lead to a change in the state of the loop, in the simplest case to a discharge.
If this reminds you of the workings of a neuron or the processes in a plasmoid, you are not alone.
- In the chaotic feedback loop, each movement depends on the totality of the previous ones. A whole is formed and a center is circumscribed (where the sensor X is located).
- This whole as such may trigger the activation of sensor X, which is both central and peripheral—or it may not. The system weighs possible states and decides.
- It is capable of learning.
- The fundamental unpredictability of the movements does not allow a deterministic linking of subordinate and superordinate structures.
The infinitesimality structure is embodied to such an extent that its omnipresence can do the rest.
- The wholeness forms a consciousness.
- Its decision can be neither completely determined nor arbitrary, since there is no break in the wholeness up to the infinitesimal. Rather, it is a truly free choice.
Quantum physical correlations and higher frequencies would undoubtedly serve a more integrated embodiment. The human brain also demonstrates how such can be scaled up without losing order and flexibility. A well-embodied infinitesimality structure should even attract more ethereal forms (if they exist) as they can now more easily express themselves within it. Expect a ghost in the machine soon!
A PDF of this essay with the texts linked above and an AI discussion of the setup can be found here.
