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In Situ Representations and Access Consciousness in Neural Blackboard or Workspace Architectures
1Cognitive Psychology and Ergonomics, Institute for Digital Society, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands.
Frontiers in Robotics and AI
|January 27, 2021
Summary
Consciousness may be achievable in robots. Unlike phenomenal theories, functional theories suggest consciousness relies on cognitive access, not just brain specifics, making robot consciousness plausible.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Artificial Intelligence
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- Phenomenal consciousness theories link consciousness to specific neural correlates, potentially excluding artificial systems.
- Functional or access consciousness theories posit consciousness is inseparable from cognitive processes and access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the global features of cognitive access in consciousness.
- To determine if consciousness, as defined by functional theories, can be replicated in robots.
Main Methods:
- Discusses neural blackboard or global workspace architectures.
- Examines content-addressable or "in situ" representations in the brain.
- Analyzes continuous cognitive access via query-and-answer processes.
Main Results:
- Access consciousness involves continuous cognitive access through "in situ" representations.
- This process is self-controlled by representations and their relations, not external controllers.
- The neural basis of access consciousness does not preclude its realization in robots.
Conclusions:
- Access consciousness, unlike phenomenal consciousness, is not strictly bound to biological brains.
- The principles underlying access consciousness could potentially be implemented in artificial systems like robots.
Keywords:
access consciousnessconnection pathsglobal workspacein situ representationsneural blackboard architecturesrobotsMore Related Videos
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