The problem of the relationship between the mind and body is a critical factor in forecasting the future of artificial intelligence. The concept of “embodied minds” challenges the idea of achieving immortality through computer technology. While modern AI systems may be trained on human thoughts and behavior, they do not possess minds in the full sense of the word, much like reflections in a mirror do not constitute actual bodies.
It is clear that the brain and mind share an inseparable connection. Memoctions, or mental processes, are heavily reliant on the physical brain for their existence and cannot be separated from bodily functions. Our mental lives are not solely a product of brain activity, but also influenced by other bodily systems such as the nervous, endocrine, and digestive systems. The minds are inherently embodied and intricately linked to our physical bodies, a truth recognized by the philosopher René Descartes in the 17th century.
Recent research indicates that the mind is intricately tied to physical processes within the body. Hormones, neurotransmitters, and even bacteria in the gut can significantly impact our mental states. This fundamental distinction separates the human mind from artificial intelligence. While AI models can efficiently control drones or robots, they do not possess the same level of interconnectedness with a physical body that humans do. Man is fundamentally connected to his body.
In the realm of AI studies, there is a common metaphor that equates the relationship between the mind and body to that of software and hardware. While this analogy can be useful, it is often stretched to the point of suggesting that the mind functions just like a computer. This misconception leads to unrealistic ideas about uploading human minds to cloud storage or virtual worlds to achieve immortality. However, a deeper understanding of the complex physiological processes underlying mental life casts doubt on the feasibility of such concepts.
In conclusion, the embodied nature of human minds has profound implications for the development and understanding of artificial intelligence. Recognizing that the mind and body are intricately linked can help prevent errors in AI development and predictions. Notions of achieving immortality through technological means are merely fantasies, as the true nature of the mind is shaped by the complex interactions within the human body.