Modern science and philosophy are delving deeper into the boundaries of human consciousness and its relationship with the physical world. The authors of the book “Blind spot: why science cannot ignore human experience” explore the popular mental experiment known as “The brain in the vessel” (BIV), which has inspired many science fiction works like The Matrix and Altered Carbon.
The BIV experiment proposes that connecting a brain to a system of electrodes simulating perceptions of the world would go unnoticed by human consciousness. However, scientists argue that this oversimplifies the crucial connection between the brain and the body.
In an article titled “The brain in the vessel or body in the world? Limits and opportunities for a science of consciousness,” researchers posit that an ideal BIV technology should not only sustain brain function but also incorporate its self-regulatory capabilities. They contend that true consciousness replication requires not just neural activity but also the brain’s interaction with the body through continuous sensorimotor loops.
The authors ultimately suggest that in order to truly “put the brain in the vessel,” one must effectively replicate the body, fundamentally challenging the BIV experiment. They demonstrate that experiencing the world necessitates more than a neural network; it requires active engagement with a physical body.
This critique gains significance in ongoing debates about artificial intelligence capabilities. By addressing the flaws in the BIV argument, scientists hope to avert the establishment of a society built on its shortcomings. These scientific inquiries are not just philosophical musings but also practical guidelines for deepening our comprehension of consciousness and its intricate ties to the physical body.