Scientists at the University of California, Riverside believe that consciousness is not limited to Earth-type biology and could arise in beings made of completely different materials.
According to Oxu.Az, the university's press service released a statement on the matter.
Distinguished Professor of Philosophy Erik Schwitzgebel and postdoctoral researcher Jeremy Pober from the University of Lisbon based their research on the concept of "substrate flexibility." They argue that the existence of consciousness may not depend on the specific physical material that constitutes it.
The authors illustrate with simple examples: a cup can be made of glass, plastic, or metal, but its function remains the same. Similarly, a book can exist in both paper and digital formats, and neither is considered more "correct" than the other.
Based on cautious calculations, the researchers suggest that at least 1,000 technologically advanced civilizations may have emerged throughout the history of the universe. If some of them have biochemical foundations completely different from Earth life, then thinking consciousness is only possible with a human or Earth-originated nervous system implies "terrancentrism" - an unjustified preference for Earth life.
The scientists note that this approach contradicts the "Copernican prejudice." According to them, the history of science has repeatedly proven that Earth holds no special position in the solar system, the galaxy, or the universe as a whole.
"The universe may conceal intelligences stranger than we can imagine," said Erik Schwitzgebel.
While the authors have differing views on whether modern artificial intelligence systems possess consciousness, they both agree that if consciousness does not require Earth-type biology, then arguing that neural networks cannot achieve consciousness simply because they are silicon-based is not a sufficiently strong argument.
