If consciousness is computation, then the question may be asked: what is computation? In a sense computation, like measurement, is not just something that humans do and call it as such. All physical processes are computations.
Then, if consciousness is computation, it follows that all matter is conscious. But this notion seems suspect. If all matter is conscious, then really life is not special. One might advance the idea that there are different levels of consciousness, but then what determines this level of consciousness? Is it the complexity of the computation? There are many physical processes that involve stupendous amounts of computation (e.g., fluid dynamics), and yet it is hard to think of them as having a high level of consciousness. Is a fluid conscious?
There are other issues with the consciousness as computation notion. For example, that of identity: If the exact same computation is performed at a different time and place, is the same consciousness? If a computation equates to consciousness, what is the boundary of that consciousness, analogous to the human body.
Finally, consider this thought experiment, which I've posted before: Assume before a loved one died in a futuristic world, proponents of the consciousness as computation were able to an exact model of their brain, down to to all the cells and their interconnections. If they are able to instantiate this model onto a new body, would that be the same person brought back to life? Can't there exist two consciousnesses with the same memories, personality, etc.?
Then, if consciousness is computation, it follows that all matter is conscious. But this notion seems suspect. If all matter is conscious, then really life is not special. One might advance the idea that there are different levels of consciousness, but then what determines this level of consciousness? Is it the complexity of the computation? There are many physical processes that involve stupendous amounts of computation (e.g., fluid dynamics), and yet it is hard to think of them as having a high level of consciousness. Is a fluid conscious?
There are other issues with the consciousness as computation notion. For example, that of identity: If the exact same computation is performed at a different time and place, is the same consciousness? If a computation equates to consciousness, what is the boundary of that consciousness, analogous to the human body.
Finally, consider this thought experiment, which I've posted before: Assume before a loved one died in a futuristic world, proponents of the consciousness as computation were able to an exact model of their brain, down to to all the cells and their interconnections. If they are able to instantiate this model onto a new body, would that be the same person brought back to life? Can't there exist two consciousnesses with the same memories, personality, etc.?
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