Here is one of the most original philosophical examples I’ve read in years. It starts:
Imagine you are walking in the wild and come across what looks like a big rock painted with the following words:
I may look like an ordinary painted rock, but I’m actually a conscious mind. I know about you and your life, and I want to tell you: from the point of view of your values, you should commit suicide. You may have good arguments against your suicide, and I will listen to any arguments you offer, but I know of very good arguments in favor of suicide. I will listen, but if these words have not changed, then my conclusion has not changed.
Somehow it seems like this should undermine Robin’s views on strong AI…
READER COMMENTS
Robin Hanson
Jan 15 2007 at 9:25am
Bryan, would you be convinced more if it were gelatinous blob instead of a rock, from which you heard sounds, instead of reading characters?
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