Human Consciousness and Selfhood: Potential Underpinnings and Compatibility with Artificial Complex Systems

Abstract

A broadly influenced theory of consciousness and selfhood is presented, followed by a discussion of crucial incompatibilities between human consciousness instantiated in a living biological system and the limitations of artificial intelligence research that might hope to replicate that form of consciousness. It will be argued that human phenomenal experience is firmly anchored in sensation borne of human flesh within a human cultural milieu, and thus enjoys a privileged status. Other pivotal challenges faced by those in pursuit of human-level artificial intelligence are also presented. Based on these considerations, viewed in aggregate, it is concluded that the achievement of human-level artificial intelligence is highly unlikely, even if the potential realization of some form of machine consciousness in the future cannot be excluded.