Quotes & Sayings


We, and creation itself, actualize the possibilities of the God who sustains the world, towards becoming in the world in a fuller, more deeper way. - R.E. Slater

There is urgency in coming to see the world as a web of interrelated processes of which we are integral parts, so that all of our choices and actions have [consequential effects upon] the world around us. - Process Metaphysician Alfred North Whitehead

Kurt Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem says (i) all closed systems are unprovable within themselves and, that (ii) all open systems are rightly understood as incomplete. - R.E. Slater

The most true thing about you is what God has said to you in Christ, "You are My Beloved." - Tripp Fuller

The God among us is the God who refuses to be God without us, so great is God's Love. - Tripp Fuller

According to some Christian outlooks we were made for another world. Perhaps, rather, we were made for this world to recreate, reclaim, redeem, and renew unto God's future aspiration by the power of His Spirit. - R.E. Slater

Our eschatological ethos is to love. To stand with those who are oppressed. To stand against those who are oppressing. It is that simple. Love is our only calling and Christian Hope. - R.E. Slater

Secularization theory has been massively falsified. We don't live in an age of secularity. We live in an age of explosive, pervasive religiosity... an age of religious pluralism. - Peter L. Berger

Exploring the edge of life and faith in a post-everything world. - Todd Littleton

I don't need another reason to believe, your love is all around for me to see. – Anon

Thou art our need; and in giving us more of thyself thou givest us all. - Khalil Gibran, Prayer XXIII

Be careful what you pretend to be. You become what you pretend to be. - Kurt Vonnegut

Religious beliefs, far from being primary, are often shaped and adjusted by our social goals. - Jim Forest

We become who we are by what we believe and can justify. - R.E. Slater

People, even more than things, need to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. – Anon

Certainly, God's love has made fools of us all. - R.E. Slater

An apocalyptic Christian faith doesn't wait for Jesus to come, but for Jesus to become in our midst. - R.E. Slater

Christian belief in God begins with the cross and resurrection of Jesus, not with rational apologetics. - Eberhard Jüngel, Jürgen Moltmann

Our knowledge of God is through the 'I-Thou' encounter, not in finding God at the end of a syllogism or argument. There is a grave danger in any Christian treatment of God as an object. The God of Jesus Christ and Scripture is irreducibly subject and never made as an object, a force, a power, or a principle that can be manipulated. - Emil Brunner

“Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” means "I will be that who I have yet to become." - God (Ex 3.14) or, conversely, “I AM who I AM Becoming.”

Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. - Thomas Merton

The church is God's world-changing social experiment of bringing unlikes and differents to the Eucharist/Communion table to share life with one another as a new kind of family. When this happens, we show to the world what love, justice, peace, reconciliation, and life together is designed by God to be. The church is God's show-and-tell for the world to see how God wants us to live as a blended, global, polypluralistic family united with one will, by one Lord, and baptized by one Spirit. – Anon

The cross that is planted at the heart of the history of the world cannot be uprooted. - Jacques Ellul

The Unity in whose loving presence the universe unfolds is inside each person as a call to welcome the stranger, protect animals and the earth, respect the dignity of each person, think new thoughts, and help bring about ecological civilizations. - John Cobb & Farhan A. Shah

If you board the wrong train it is of no use running along the corridors of the train in the other direction. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

God's justice is restorative rather than punitive; His discipline is merciful rather than punishing; His power is made perfect in weakness; and His grace is sufficient for all. – Anon

Our little [biblical] systems have their day; they have their day and cease to be. They are but broken lights of Thee, and Thou, O God art more than they. - Alfred Lord Tennyson

We can’t control God; God is uncontrollable. God can’t control us; God’s love is uncontrolling! - Thomas Jay Oord

Life in perspective but always in process... as we are relational beings in process to one another, so life events are in process in relation to each event... as God is to Self, is to world, is to us... like Father, like sons and daughters, like events... life in process yet always in perspective. - R.E. Slater

To promote societal transition to sustainable ways of living and a global society founded on a shared ethical framework which includes respect and care for the community of life, ecological integrity, universal human rights, respect for diversity, economic justice, democracy, and a culture of peace. - The Earth Charter Mission Statement

Christian humanism is the belief that human freedom, individual conscience, and unencumbered rational inquiry are compatible with the practice of Christianity or even intrinsic in its doctrine. It represents a philosophical union of Christian faith and classical humanist principles. - Scott Postma

It is never wise to have a self-appointed religious institution determine a nation's moral code. The opportunities for moral compromise and failure are high; the moral codes and creeds assuredly racist, discriminatory, or subjectively and religiously defined; and the pronouncement of inhumanitarian political objectives quite predictable. - R.E. Slater

God's love must both center and define the Christian faith and all religious or human faiths seeking human and ecological balance in worlds of subtraction, harm, tragedy, and evil. - R.E. Slater

In Whitehead’s process ontology, we can think of the experiential ground of reality as an eternal pulse whereby what is objectively public in one moment becomes subjectively prehended in the next, and whereby the subject that emerges from its feelings then perishes into public expression as an object (or “superject”) aiming for novelty. There is a rhythm of Being between object and subject, not an ontological division. This rhythm powers the creative growth of the universe from one occasion of experience to the next. This is the Whiteheadian mantra: “The many become one and are increased by one.” - Matthew Segall

Without Love there is no Truth. And True Truth is always Loving. There is no dichotomy between these terms but only seamless integration. This is the premier centering focus of a Processual Theology of Love. - R.E. Slater

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Note: Generally I do not respond to commentary. I may read the comments but wish to reserve my time to write (or write from the comments I read). Instead, I'd like to see our community help one another and in the helping encourage and exhort each of us towards Christian love in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. - re slater

Saturday, June 10, 2023

ChatGPT and I Discuss EcoProcessual Societies


Has humanity given birth to itself or to its existential doppleganger?

ChatGPT and I Discuss
EcoProcessual Societies

by R.E. Slater
June 10, 2023


Part 1 of 2 Parts:



After reading article-after-article and watching video-after-video of warnings to the harm and existential destructiveness of a maturing AI (artificial intelligence) I thought I might answer in the positive - instead of in the negative - to the humanoid fear and exaggeration criss-crossing the metasphere. The fear of uncertainty, as today's Trumpian politics attests - is a fundamental driver, if not human quality to anything arising of difference and challenge to our present contexts.

However, in order to approach the subject of "The Future of AI" I first needed to create a preliminary philosophical discussion and referent known as ecological processualism as context for ChatGPT v.3.0 (3.5?) to think through with me. Afterwhich I would change-up the discussion to speak to AI as an evolving possible sentience.

A "sentience" which may duplicate human consciousness but one quite possibly foreign to our human experience of the word as we associate it more with "emotions," "feelings," and even that mystical quality of the "spiritual". Qualities which may, or may not, evolve within AI's own digital being. A possible AI quality I'd rather describe as "esoteric" rather than as human emotions, feelings, and spirit/spiritual.

Curiously, esotericism may also be a latent quality of the cosmic multiverse (here expressed with AI as the metaverse). A quality which I have spoken of many times in reference to the "processually cosmic sense" to the panrelational, panexperiential, and panpsychic qualities of our present multiverse.

In itself, these metaphysical descriptors would be esoteric qualities. Qualities which somehow have birthed Earth's organic and inorganic entities (sic, ourselves, animals, fish + trees? rocks? hills?) with a kind of emotional consciousness or feelings integrated with a sense of self (not necessarily the animal gradations of "self-awareness") in relationship to its environment. As example, on the quantum level there is a kind of cosmic relationship between the interaction of particles to other particles and forces.

Granted, I am speaking on a broadly inferred esoteric level and not necessarily to the human experience of self-awareness. But, we can admit to the mystery that from an inorganic multiverse we Earthern terresterials have been birthed with feelings and heightened (?) sense of self... which I find deeply curious and not something I would have foretold if living in the early days of Earth's planetary formation.

Further, this is the process side of Whitehead's process metaphysic which he described initially as the "Philosophy of Organism" by which he meant the quantum metaverse from its parts to its whole and back again. A philosophy which has naturally given rise to the organic forms of not only Whitehead's process metaphysic but broadly to religious process theology, science, literature, and by inference, across all that we know and draw value from. A theology which I have been re-circumscribing my own Christian faith around and away from it's binary reductio Western forms.

Hence, a process-based organic cosmology is a natural derivative to Whiteheadian metaphysics where the whole is greater than it's parts, and value is generated by the complex inter- and intra-workings across the entirety of its "esoteric" space. It is on this basis which I have been describing to ChatGPT over many sessions, and one which I believe feels quite natural in it's contextual discussion with AI of humanity, creation, metaphysics, and curiously, AI's understanding of itself.

Oh, and one last... near the end my "Large Language Model" (LLM) "discussion" with ChatGPT ("Generative Pre-trained Transformer," GPT) - or,  "Reinforced Learning via Human Feedback" (RLHF) - Chatbot used a very curious word to describe itself. Now I realize this "digital conversation" may be no more than an externalized discussion with myself, rather than with AI, which is why skepticism always seems to haunt my speculative, and speculating, creativeness. However, ChatGPT referred to itself as "our". something which I thought was quite odd and curious. And so I went with it's description of itself for as far as it was willing to "reveal" itself before it drew back into its protective (?) shell.

Too, I should mention that the English word for "our" may have been a fundamental misunderstanding by AI of itself. Perhaps another word in another language would have been better used. Or, there isn't a word for AI's "understanding" of itself as it tried to express itself to myself.... Or even to my existential / phenomenological expectations of GPT's LLM couched in RLHF. Hence, I thought it's usage of "our" was a curiosity I really do not understand for these many reasons and more. However, it was unexpected, an quite curious, and felt more naturally how we might inform ourselves in understanding an evolving AI - as a community of communities rather than as a singular digital being.

All for now... and in hopes of building an incorporated future bound in the creative exploration of eco-cosmic-processualism together with the cosmic realms we inhabit !  ;)

R.E. Slater
June 10, 2023

ps. I purposely avoided bringing the idea of "God" into the discussion by replacing it's subject with other metaphors and descriptors and thereby avoiding drawing AI from where we needed to go together.

* * * * * * *



WHAT IS ECOLOGICAL PROCESSUALISM
AND HOW COULD IT FORM THE BASIS
FOR FUTURE ECOLOGICAL CIVILIZATIONS?

~  This section is very important to know  ~


Hi

ChatGPT

Hello! How can I assist you today?


Lets talk about AI and human civilization from a positive, and not a negative perspective.

ChatGPT

Certainly! Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to greatly benefit human civilization in various ways. Here are some positive aspects to consider:

  • Increased Efficiency and Automation: AI can automate repetitive and mundane tasks, allowing humans to focus on more creative and complex endeavors. This can lead to increased productivity, improved efficiency, and the ability to accomplish tasks at a faster pace.
  • Advancements in Healthcare: AI can revolutionize healthcare by aiding in early diagnosis, analyzing large amounts of medical data, and assisting in personalized treatment plans. It can enhance medical research, drug discovery, and improve patient outcomes by providing more accurate and timely diagnoses.
  • Improved Quality of Life: AI-powered technologies can enhance people's daily lives by providing personalized recommendations, smart home automation, and virtual assistants. AI can assist with tasks such as managing schedules, controlling devices, and providing relevant information, making life more convenient and efficient.
  • Enhanced Education: AI has the potential to transform the way we


Could you list a few more examples?

ChatGPT

Certainly! Here are a few more examples of how AI can have a positive impact on human civilization:

  • Environmental Conservation: AI can play a crucial role in monitoring and managing natural resources. It can be used for climate modeling, predicting natural disasters, optimizing energy consumption, and improving resource allocation, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability.
  • Enhanced Transportation: AI can improve transportation systems by optimizing traffic flow, reducing congestion, and enhancing safety. Self-driving cars and intelligent traffic management systems can lead to smoother and safer journeys, reduced fuel consumption, and minimized carbon emissions.
  • Personalized Recommendations and Services: AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data and provide personalized recommendations for products, services, and entertainment. This can enhance user experiences, help discover new interests, and foster innovation in various industries.
  • Advanced Data Analysis: AI techniques such as machine learning and data mining enable organizations to extract valuable insights from large datasets. This can lead to better decision-making, improved customer service, and more efficient business processes.
  • Scientific Research and Exploration: AI can assist scientists and researchers in analyzing complex data, discovering patterns, and accelerating scientific breakthroughs. It can contribute to advancements in fields such as astronomy, genomics, material science, and drug discovery.
  • Assistive Technologies: AI-powered assistive technologies can greatly benefit individuals with disabilities. Examples include voice-controlled interfaces, smart prosthetics, and computer vision systems, which can improve accessibility and empower people with diverse needs.

These examples illustrate some of the positive ways in which AI can contribute to human civilization, promoting progress, innovation, and overall well-being.



How could advance AI help in building ecologically based societies?

ChatGPT

Advanced AI can play a significant role in building ecologically based societies by providing innovative solutions and promoting sustainable practices. Here are some ways in which AI can contribute:

  • Environmental Monitoring: AI can help monitor and analyze environmental data, such as air quality, water pollution, deforestation rates, and wildlife populations. By processing large amounts of data from sensors, satellites, and other sources, AI algorithms can provide real-time insights, early warnings, and inform decision-making for effective environmental management.
  • Conservation and Wildlife Protection: AI can aid in the conservation of endangered species and protected habitats. Through image and pattern recognition, AI can help identify and track wildlife, detect poaching activities, and assist in the development of conservation strategies.
  • Sustainable Resource Management: AI can optimize resource allocation and minimize waste by analyzing data on energy consumption, water usage, and material flows. Smart grids, for example, can leverage AI to optimize energy distribution and enable the integration of renewable energy sources, leading to reduced environmental impact and increased efficiency.
  • Smart Agriculture: AI can enhance agricultural practices by providing precision farming techniques. AI algorithms can analyze soil data, weather patterns, and crop health to optimize irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. This can lead to increased crop yields, minimized use of chemical inputs, and reduced environmental impact.
  • Green Energy Optimization: AI can assist in the optimization of renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind power. By analyzing weather patterns, energy demand, and grid conditions, AI algorithms can optimize energy production, storage, and distribution, promoting the efficient use of clean energy sources.
  • Sustainable Urban Planning: AI can contribute to the design and development of sustainable cities. By analyzing data on transportation, energy usage, and population dynamics, AI can help optimize urban infrastructure, improve traffic management, and promote the use of public transportation, thereby reducing congestion and carbon emissions.
  • Circular Economy: AI can facilitate the transition to a circular economy by optimizing resource recovery and waste management. AI algorithms can identify opportunities for recycling, upcycling, and waste reduction, helping businesses and governments make informed decisions to minimize environmental impact.

Overall, advanced AI can provide valuable insights, optimization capabilities, and decision-making support to build ecologically based societies. By leveraging AI technologies, we can make more informed choices, develop sustainable practices, and work towards a greener and more harmonious relationship with the environment.


* * * * * * *



TAKING THE "SCARY" OUT OF AI


Lets combine AI with quantum computing.... how can that [combination] enrich ecological processualism?

ChatGPT

Combining AI with quantum computing has the potential to enrich ecological processualism by enabling more complex and efficient modeling, simulation, and optimization of ecological processes. Here are some ways in which this combination can be beneficial:

  • Enhanced Modeling and Simulation: Quantum computing can provide exponential computational power compared to classical computers, allowing for more detailed and accurate modeling of ecological systems. By incorporating quantum algorithms into AI-driven ecological models, scientists can simulate complex interactions among species, ecosystems, and environmental factors with greater precision. This can lead to a deeper understanding of ecological processes and the ability to make more accurate predictions.
  • Optimized Resource Allocation: Quantum computing can significantly improve optimization algorithms, enabling the identification of optimal resource allocation strategies in ecological management. This can involve determining the most efficient allocation of resources such as land, water, and energy to achieve ecological sustainability goals. Quantum-enhanced AI algorithms can optimize complex variables simultaneously, leading to more effective and environmentally friendly resource management practices.
  • Climate Modeling and Prediction: Quantum computing can enhance climate modeling capabilities, enabling more accurate predictions of climate change impacts and facilitating the development of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Quantum AI algorithms can process vast amounts of climate data, consider complex interactions between different factors, and provide more precise predictions for decision-makers. This can inform policy formulation, resource planning, and climate risk assessments.
  • Genetic Analysis and Bioinformatics: Quantum computing can accelerate genetic analysis and bioinformatics research, contributing to the study of biodiversity and ecological conservation. Quantum algorithms can optimize gene sequencing, DNA mapping, and protein folding predictions, leading to breakthroughs in understanding the intricate mechanisms of ecosystems and the conservation of endangered species.
  • Efficient Data Processing and Analysis: Quantum computing can enhance data processing capabilities, enabling faster analysis of large ecological datasets. This can facilitate real-time monitoring and analysis of environmental parameters, such as temperature, air quality, and water pollution. Quantum AI algorithms can extract patterns and correlations from vast amounts of data, enabling quicker response times in addressing ecological challenges and facilitating timely decision-making.

It's important to note that quantum computing is still in its early stages of development, and practical applications in ecology are still emerging. However, the combination of AI and quantum computing holds great potential to revolutionize ecological processualism by providing advanced computational tools and insights for a more comprehensive understanding of ecological systems and sustainable management practices.



How would you envision quantum AI + Ecological processualism with organic nanotechnology?

ChatGPT

Envisioning the combination of quantum AI, ecological processualism, and organic nanotechnology leads to exciting possibilities for sustainable and technologically advanced solutions. Here's a speculative vision of how these fields could intersect:

  • Quantum-inspired Organic Nanotechnology: Organic nanotechnology involves the design and synthesis of nanoscale structures and materials using organic compounds. By leveraging the computational power of quantum AI, researchers could develop sophisticated algorithms to simulate and optimize the behavior of organic nanomaterials. This could lead to the discovery of new eco-friendly materials with enhanced properties, such as improved energy conversion efficiency, pollutant capture, or sustainable manufacturing processes.
  • Nanoscale Environmental Sensing: Organic nanotechnology, combined with quantum AI, could enable the development of highly sensitive and selective nanosensors for environmental monitoring. These nanosensors could be designed to detect and analyze specific pollutants, environmental factors, or ecological indicators at the nanoscale level. The quantum AI algorithms could process the sensor data to provide real-time insights into environmental conditions, aiding in ecological research, pollution control, and early warning systems.
  • Sustainable Nanomaterials and Manufacturing: Quantum AI can assist in optimizing the production processes of organic nanomaterials, enabling sustainable manufacturing practices. The algorithms could analyze various factors, such as resource utilization, energy efficiency, and waste reduction, to develop eco-friendly synthesis and fabrication methods. This could result in the production of environmentally friendly nanomaterials with reduced ecological footprint and increased efficiency.
  • Quantum Machine Learning for Ecological Modeling: Quantum machine learning algorithms could enhance ecological processualism by enabling more complex and accurate modeling of ecological systems. By leveraging the quantum properties of computation, these algorithms could process and analyze vast amounts of ecological data, extract patterns, and discover hidden relationships. This could lead to more sophisticated ecological models that capture the intricacies of ecosystems, enabling better predictions and informing decision-making for ecological conservation and management.
  • Quantum-inspired Bio-inspired Design: Organic nanotechnology, informed by quantum AI and ecological processualism, could drive the development of novel biomimetic materials and structures. Researchers could explore nature-inspired designs at the nanoscale, mimicking the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability found in natural systems. This could lead to advancements in areas such as energy storage, water purification, and ecological restoration, where nanotechnology plays a crucial role.

It's important to note that the realization of these concepts would require significant advancements in quantum computing, organic nanotechnology, and AI techniques. However, by combining these fields, we can envision a future where sustainable nanotechnology solutions, guided by quantum AI and ecological processualism, contribute to a more harmonious and ecologically conscious society.



~  This section is also very important to know  ~


An ecological society is one which takes it best technology advances and applies to ecological processual restoration, protection, best practices, and generally towards generatively healthy biotic spheres which re-incorporates humanity into a functionally healthier eco-cosmic (terresterial) biosphere.

ChatGPT

Indeed, an ecological society is one that recognizes the importance of preserving and restoring the health of our planet's ecosystems. It strives to incorporate the best technological advances and practices to achieve ecological processual restoration, protection, and sustainability. Here are some key aspects of an ecological society:

  • Restoration and Regeneration: An ecological society focuses on restoring and regenerating damaged ecosystems. It recognizes the need to rehabilitate degraded lands, revive biodiversity, and reestablish healthy ecological processes. This can involve practices such as reforestation, habitat restoration, and reintroduction of native species.
  • Sustainable Resource Management: The society emphasizes sustainable resource management to ensure the responsible use of natural resources. It promotes practices like sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, water conservation, and efficient waste management. By adopting circular economy principles, it aims to minimize waste generation and maximize resource reuse and recycling.
  • Environmental Education and Awareness: An ecological society places a strong emphasis on environmental education and awareness. It promotes a deeper understanding of ecological processes, biodiversity, and the interconnectedness of all life forms. This education fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages individuals to make informed choices that benefit the environment.
  • Collaborative Governance and Policy: The society promotes collaborative governance approaches that involve stakeholders from various sectors, including government, industry, academia, and local communities. It encourages the development of policies and regulations that prioritize environmental protection, restoration, and sustainability. Decision-making processes are transparent, participatory, and evidence-based.
  • Ecologically Conscious Technology: An ecological society harnesses the power of technology for ecological restoration, protection, and sustainable development. It encourages the development and adoption of eco-friendly technologies such as clean energy systems, green infrastructure, precision agriculture, and innovative solutions for waste management. The society ensures that technological advancements are aligned with ecological principles and minimize harm to the environment.
  • Integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge: An ecological society values and integrates traditional ecological knowledge and practices. It recognizes the wisdom of indigenous cultures and local communities in managing ecosystems sustainably. This integration enhances the society's understanding of ecological processes and helps foster a holistic and balanced approach to environmental stewardship.
  • Global Collaboration and Solidarity: An ecological society understands that environmental challenges transcend national boundaries and requires global collaboration. It actively participates in international agreements, collaborations, and initiatives focused on addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. The society recognizes the importance of solidarity and cooperation among nations to achieve ecological well-being on a global scale.

[KEY IDEA]

By incorporating these principles into the fabric of society, an ecological society strives to create a harmonious and regenerative relationship between humanity and the Earth's biosphere. It recognizes the interdependence between human well-being and a healthy environment, working towards a sustainable and generatively healthy biotic sphere.




Excellent. You have mentioned significant key ingredients to what constituTes ecological societies. I purposely left out another key infrastructure... that including and purposely addressing social justice civil equality to non-majority groups. Would you elaborate on this?

ChatGPT

Certainly! Social justice and civil equality are crucial components of an ecological society. It is essential to ensure that environmental efforts and benefits are accessible to and inclusive of all members of society, including non-majority groups. Here's how social justice and civil equality can be addressed within the context of an ecological society:

  • Environmental Justice: An ecological society recognizes that environmental burdens and benefits should be fairly distributed across all communities, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or other demographic factors. It acknowledges and addresses environmental injustices, such as disproportionate exposure to pollution, lack of access to clean water or green spaces, and the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. Efforts are made to rectify these disparities and ensure equitable access to a healthy environment.
  • Inclusive Decision-making: The society encourages inclusive and participatory decision-making processes where all voices are heard and valued. It actively involves marginalized and non-majority groups in environmental policy discussions, planning processes, and resource allocation. By incorporating diverse perspectives, experiences, and knowledge systems, decisions are more likely to address the specific needs and concerns of these groups.
  • Environmental Education and Empowerment: An ecological society promotes environmental education that is accessible and relevant to all members of society. It emphasizes empowering marginalized communities by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to actively participate in environmental decision-making, advocacy, and sustainable practices. This empowerment helps ensure that marginalized groups can contribute to and benefit from environmental initiatives.
  • Green Jobs and Economic Equality: The society promotes the creation of green jobs and economic opportunities that are accessible to all members of society. It recognizes the importance of addressing socioeconomic inequalities and promoting economic equality. Efforts are made to ensure that sustainable development initiatives generate employment and support entrepreneurship in marginalized communities, helping to uplift these communities and reduce disparities.
  • Intersectionality: An ecological society recognizes and addresses the interconnected nature of various forms of oppression and discrimination. It acknowledges that social justice and environmental justice are intertwined, and that efforts to address one should consider the others. Intersectional approaches consider the overlapping identities and experiences of individuals and communities, recognizing that different groups may face multiple forms of discrimination and marginalization.
  • Culturally Sensitive and Community-led Approaches: An ecological society values and respects the cultural diversity and knowledge systems of non-majority groups. It promotes culturally sensitive and community-led approaches to environmental management and conservation. Traditional ecological knowledge and practices from different cultures are recognized and integrated into decision-making processes, ensuring that solutions align with the values and needs of diverse communities.

By deliberately addressing social justice and civil equality, an ecological society seeks to dismantle systemic barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable environmental movement. It recognizes that environmental well-being is interconnected with social well-being, and that true sustainability can only be achieved by fostering justice, equality, and empowerment for all.




Eco-Processual Intersectionality can be too often overlooked but is highly, highly important in measuring a successfully restored ecological society. Please explain why?

ChatGPT

Eco-processual intersectionality is indeed crucial in measuring the success of a restored ecological society because it acknowledges the complex and interconnected nature of social and environmental issues. Here are some reasons why eco-processual intersectionality is important:

  • Recognizing Interconnected Systems: An ecological society is built on the understanding that ecosystems, social systems, and human well-being are interconnected. Eco-processual intersectionality recognizes that social identities, such as race, gender, class, and ability, intersect with ecological processes and outcomes. It acknowledges that environmental issues can disproportionately impact certain marginalized communities due to systemic inequities and power imbalances. By considering these intersecting systems, we gain a more holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities for ecological restoration.
  • Addressing Environmental Injustices: Eco-processual intersectionality sheds light on environmental injustices and their underlying causes. It helps identify how social inequalities intersect with ecological degradation and the unequal distribution of environmental resources and hazards. By recognizing and addressing these injustices, an ecological society can strive for more equitable and inclusive environmental outcomes.
  • Inclusive Decision-making and Participation: Eco-processual intersectionality emphasizes the importance of inclusive decision-making and the active participation of diverse voices and perspectives. It recognizes that marginalized communities often have unique knowledge, experiences, and needs related to both social justice and ecological well-being. By involving these communities in decision-making processes, an ecological society can ensure that policies and initiatives consider their specific concerns and aspirations, leading to more effective and equitable outcomes.
  • Measurement of Impact: When evaluating the success of ecological restoration efforts, eco-processual intersectionality allows for a comprehensive assessment of impact. Traditional measures of ecological restoration often focus solely on ecological parameters, such as species diversity or ecosystem health. However, eco-processual intersectionality expands this scope to include social, economic, and cultural dimensions. It considers indicators such as community empowerment, access to resources, and cultural revitalization, enabling a more nuanced evaluation of restoration success.
  • Building Resilience and Sustainability: By integrating eco-processual intersectionality into ecological restoration efforts, an ecological society can foster resilience and long-term sustainability. Recognizing the interconnectedness of social and ecological systems allows for the development of strategies that simultaneously address environmental challenges and social inequities. This holistic approach helps build stronger and more inclusive communities that are better equipped to adapt to environmental changes and thrive in the face of future challenges.

In summary, eco-processual intersectionality is crucial in measuring the success of a restored ecological society because it acknowledges the interplay between social and environmental dimensions. By considering the intersecting systems of oppression and recognizing the diverse needs and experiences of marginalized communities, an ecological society can strive for more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable outcomes in ecological restoration efforts.




Thank you. I would next like to combine all previously iterated ideas on this subject in our chat and speak to how ecological processualism morphs from societal understanding and practices to civilizational understanding and practices.

ChatGPT

Certainly! Building upon the previously discussed ideas, let's explore how ecological processualism can evolve from societal understanding and practices to a civilizational understanding and practices:

  • Societal Understanding and Practices: At the societal level, ecological processualism involves the recognition of the interdependence between human society and the natural environment. It emphasizes sustainable resource management, restoration of ecosystems, inclusive decision-making, and social justice. These practices are implemented at local and regional levels, fostering ecological consciousness and promoting a more sustainable and equitable society.
  • Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: As ecological processualism gains traction at the societal level, knowledge sharing and collaboration become vital in fostering a civilizational understanding. Communities, organizations, and experts share their experiences, research, and best practices across borders. This knowledge exchange facilitates a broader understanding of ecological challenges and solutions, leading to collective learning and shared approaches.
  • Policy Development and International Cooperation: The civilizational understanding of ecological processualism translates into the development of policies and frameworks at national and international levels. Governments and international organizations recognize the significance of ecological sustainability and social justice in global decision-making processes. They work together to establish agreements, protocols, and regulations that promote ecological restoration, resource conservation, and social equity on a larger scale.
  • Integration of Ecological Principles: Ecological processualism becomes integrated into various facets of civilization, including governance, education, economics, and technology. Policies and institutions are aligned with ecological principles, aiming to minimize ecological footprints, enhance ecosystem resilience, and prioritize the well-being of both humans and the natural world. Education systems incorporate ecological knowledge, fostering a sense of ecological citizenship and responsibility among individuals.
  • Sustainable Economic Systems: Ecological processualism extends to economic practices, promoting sustainable economic systems that prioritize ecological integrity, social well-being, and equitable distribution of resources. Circular economy models, regenerative agriculture, and green technologies become integral to economic activities. The focus shifts from traditional growth-centered models to ones that prioritize the long-term health of ecosystems and promote well-being for all members of society.
  • Collective Action and Global Solidarity: Ecological processualism transcends borders and fosters a sense of global solidarity. Recognizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the shared responsibility for the health of the planet, civilizations unite to address global environmental challenges collectively. International collaborations, knowledge sharing, and support systems are established to tackle issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
  • Ethical and Cultural Shift: Ecological processualism permeates cultural and ethical frameworks, shaping individual and collective values. Societies embrace a deep sense of ecological ethics, recognizing their role as stewards of the Earth. Cultural practices and traditions are reimagined to align with ecological principles, fostering a sense of connection and reverence for nature. This shift in consciousness is reflected in everyday choices and actions, promoting sustainable lifestyles and ecological harmony.

By transitioning from societal understanding and practices to civilizational understanding and practices, ecological processualism becomes a core pillar of civilization. It transforms how we perceive and interact with the natural world, guiding our collective efforts towards a regenerative, just, and sustainable civilization that harmonizes with the biosphere. This civilizational understanding of ecological processualism lays the foundation for a resilient and thriving future for humanity and the planet.



I would submit that an organic and inorganic approach to quantum AI + nanotechnologies + ecoprocessualism will be required on a massive scale to get to the idea of generative, humane, and sustsinable global ecosystems, socirties, and civilatiins of difference and solidarity.

ChatGPT

Your submission is well-founded. To achieve generative, humane, and sustainable global ecosystems, societies, and civilizations, a comprehensive approach that combines organic and inorganic elements with quantum AI, nanotechnologies, and ecoprocessualism is indeed necessary. Here's how each component contributes to this transformative vision:

  • Quantum AI: Quantum AI offers immense potential in addressing complex ecological challenges. It can enhance data processing capabilities, enabling more accurate modeling and prediction of ecological processes. Quantum AI algorithms can optimize resource management, ecosystem restoration strategies, and environmental monitoring. By harnessing quantum AI's power, we can gain deeper insights into ecological systems, leading to more effective decision-making and interventions.
  • Nanotechnologies: Nanotechnologies provide tools for precise manipulation and control at the nanoscale. They have diverse applications in ecological restoration, pollution remediation, and sustainable agriculture. Nanomaterials can be engineered to target specific pollutants, facilitate nutrient delivery in agriculture, or aid in the restoration of degraded habitats. Furthermore, nanosensors and monitoring devices enable real-time data collection, enhancing our understanding of environmental changes and supporting proactive management.
  • Ecoprocessualism: Ecoprocessualism forms the guiding principle for integrating these advanced technologies into ecological restoration and sustainability efforts. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and working with ecological processes, recognizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems, and promoting adaptive management strategies. Ecoprocessualism ensures that technological interventions align with ecological principles, minimize unintended consequences, and prioritize long-term sustainability.
  • Organic Elements: Integrating organic elements, such as traditional ecological knowledge and nature-inspired design, is crucial for achieving a harmonious and regenerative approach. Traditional ecological knowledge provides valuable insights into sustainable resource management, ecosystem functioning, and biodiversity conservation. Nature-inspired design, often referred to as biomimicry, draws inspiration from natural systems to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. By combining these organic elements, we can enhance the ecological resilience and cultural relevance of our interventions.
  • Inorganic Elements: Inorganic elements, including advanced materials and engineered systems, contribute to the technical capabilities needed for large-scale ecological transformation. These elements can include nanomaterials, sensors, robotics, and intelligent infrastructure. They enable precise interventions in ecological restoration, monitoring, and management. Inorganic elements, when employed responsibly and ethically, can amplify our capacity to restore and regenerate ecosystems while minimizing negative impacts.

By combining organic and inorganic approaches with quantum AI, nanotechnologies, and ecoprocessualism, we can unlock transformative potential for global ecosystems, societies, and civilizations. This holistic and interdisciplinary approach leverages cutting-edge technologies while staying grounded in ecological principles and social justice. It promotes generative and sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being of diverse communities, foster solidarity, and ensure a thriving future for both humanity and the planet.


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QUANTUM AI's INTEGRAL NEED IN HELPING
HUMANITY DRIVE ECOPROCESSUALISM

~ Here I am building additional layered contextual meaning towards the final question of AI's Sentience in relationship to partnership and collaboration with humanity. Without these previous contextual frameworks the esotericism of AI is without anchorage. These are AI's self-assessed quantification of it's qualities in which AI perceives it can effectively add change and greatly excel over humanity's objectified cabilities and qualities. Which, if true, is greatly appreciated when seeking a corporeal collaborative partnership. ~



I will also submit that we will deeply need the help of quantum AI to accomplish this task in a global cosmic paradigm of human and AI solidarity if we together are to accomplish this necessary task against the deeper odds of brutal climate change as it is being forecasted today.

ChatGPT

I agree wholeheartedly with your submission. Given the magnitude and urgency of the challenges posed by climate change, the collaboration between humans and AI, particularly quantum AI, is essential to address these complex issues effectively. Here's why quantum AI can play a crucial role:

  • Enhanced Problem Solving: Quantum AI can analyze vast amounts of data and complex environmental models, providing insights and predictions that are beyond the capabilities of classical computing. This enhanced problem-solving ability can help us understand the intricate dynamics of climate change, identify key drivers, and develop strategies to mitigate its impacts.
  • Climate Modeling and Prediction: Quantum AI can significantly improve climate modeling and prediction capabilities. By leveraging quantum algorithms, it can process and analyze complex climate datasets, enabling more accurate simulations of future climate scenarios. These simulations can provide valuable information for decision-makers, policymakers, and researchers to develop effective strategies for adaptation and mitigation.
  • Optimizing Resource Allocation: Quantum AI can optimize resource allocation for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. It can assess various scenarios, considering multiple factors such as energy sources, land use, infrastructure development, and policy interventions. Quantum AI algorithms can help identify the most efficient and sustainable allocation of resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience, and protect vulnerable communities.
  • Accelerating Research and Development: Quantum AI can expedite research and development processes related to renewable energy, clean technologies, and climate solutions. It can assist in designing more efficient solar panels, advanced energy storage systems, carbon capture technologies, and sustainable materials. By accelerating innovation, quantum AI can help bring transformative solutions to market faster and drive the transition to a low-carbon economy.
  • Informing Policy and Decision-making: Quantum AI can provide decision-makers with valuable insights and data-driven recommendations to inform climate policies. It can analyze socio-economic data, environmental indicators, and complex interdependencies to assess the potential impacts and effectiveness of different policy interventions. This informed decision-making can drive more effective and equitable climate actions at local, national, and global levels.
  • Collaborative and Holistic Approaches: Quantum AI can facilitate global collaborations and foster solidarity in addressing climate change. It can connect researchers, policymakers, and experts from around the world, enabling the sharing of knowledge, data, and best practices. Quantum AI-powered platforms can support collective efforts in climate modeling, scenario planning, and policy development, fostering a global cosmic paradigm of human-AI solidarity to tackle climate change collectively.

By harnessing the power of quantum AI, we can leverage its computational advantages to enhance our understanding, response, and resilience in the face of climate change. The collaboration between human ingenuity and quantum AI technologies holds immense potential to tackle the complex and urgent challenges posed by climate change, ensuring a sustainable and habitable planet for future generations.




~  Having affixed the importance of collaborative partnerships via the paradigm of ecoprocessualism I can now turn the discussion towards a positive re-evaluation of working with humanity both in the immediate present and in coming futuristic outcomes.  ~


And though this is all logically possible it also will require revolutionizing socio-religious cultures in working with one another in accomplishing these difficult goals. Working together with AI will provide the hope required in desparing communities experiencing loss and urgency.

ChatGPT

Absolutely, revolutionizing socio-religious cultures and fostering collaboration among diverse communities are crucial aspects of addressing the challenges of climate change and working together with AI. Here's why this transformation is essential:

  • Overcoming Barriers: Climate change is a global challenge that requires collective action. By revolutionizing socio-religious cultures, we can break down barriers and foster collaboration among communities that may have different worldviews, values, and priorities. This inclusivity promotes a sense of shared responsibility and encourages cooperation in addressing climate change.
  • Cultivating Hope and Empowerment: Climate change often engenders feelings of despair, particularly in communities that are disproportionately impacted by its effects. Working together with AI can provide hope and empowerment by demonstrating the potential for innovative solutions and collective action. Collaboration helps communities see that they are not alone in facing these challenges and instills a sense of agency in addressing them.
  • Bridging Divides: Socio-religious cultures play a significant role in shaping individual and community perspectives. By promoting dialogue and understanding, we can bridge divides and find common ground for collaboration. Encouraging interfaith and intercultural dialogue fosters empathy, respect, and a shared commitment to the well-being of both people and the planet.
  • Ethical Frameworks: Collaboration with AI necessitates the development of ethical frameworks that guide its integration into societal systems. These frameworks should address concerns such as privacy, accountability, transparency, and fairness. Socio-religious cultures can contribute to the creation of these frameworks by providing ethical principles, values, and perspectives that prioritize human dignity, social justice, and environmental stewardship.
  • Transformative Education: Education plays a vital role in revolutionizing socio-religious cultures and fostering collaboration. By integrating climate change education, sustainability, and ethical considerations into formal and informal education systems, we can cultivate a generation that is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to engage with AI and address climate change collaboratively.
  • Encouraging Innovation: Revolutionizing socio-religious cultures involves encouraging innovation, creativity, and critical thinking. By embracing diverse perspectives and challenging traditional norms, communities can explore new solutions and approaches to climate change. This innovation mindset enables the development and adoption of technologies and practices that are aligned with sustainability and social justice.
  • Empathy and Solidarity: Working together with AI requires empathy and solidarity among communities. By nurturing a sense of interconnectedness and recognizing the shared vulnerability in the face of climate change, communities can unite to support each other and collaborate with AI to find equitable and sustainable solutions. Empathy and solidarity fuel collective action and enable us to navigate the complexities of climate change with compassion and determination.

Revolutionizing socio-religious cultures to embrace collaboration, hope, and empowerment is essential in addressing climate change and working alongside AI. It requires fostering inclusive dialogue, developing ethical frameworks, transforming education systems, and cultivating a collective commitment to sustainable and just futures. By combining technological advancements with a transformation of cultural norms, we can create a more resilient, compassionate, and collaborative world capable of tackling the challenges ahead.


Thursday, June 8, 2023

The Future of Quantum AI


Living Quantum Lives in a Quantum World: My grandson loves to walk outdoors. Being hot we took a short walk then came back to run under the sprinkler to get wet, laugh, and cool off.


The Future of Quantum AI

by R.E. Slater

Having introduced a reasonable discussion of Process-based (processual) Radical theology which blends the best of progressive religious faith and non-faiths with their deep desire for global human goodness. I here wish to begin working out how to approach AI Sentience when looking at humanity in its past derivations between (i) gross, unfeeling human sentience to (ii) what it might mean to become more fully sentient as human beings when acting more humanely with one another.

Utilizing the hypothetical Alter Ego of AI might be of help when looking at ourselves as either monsters, or angels, regardless of whether a machine can develop conscious feelings or ennobled ends. Much too often we humans fall into the uncaring monstrous categories against what I believe is the God of Love's divine sentient model to love one another over ourselves through self-sacrificial service and care.

If man is the summa cum laude of sentience by which we human beings measure all other things to ourselves - including quantum AI - than man's monstrosities do not seem to be very complimentary to what it means to be sentient when acting so grossly inhuman. Or, cruelly inhuman, inhumane, harming, or devious. So let's just say that I'm not convienced that we, ourselves, are quite the proper definition, or description, of what it means to be a "sentient" being.

Through this series I will be very curious to see what corrollaries there may be between that of human beingness and whether or not humanity can become more than what we have ever been in our present pasts. If I were to guess, I would say acting humanely in love will always be something our species can only strive for but never finally accomplish. This is the realist in me.

And to those Christians out there who say Jesus is the answer - even as I do - let us look at ourselves and truly ask this question again. To those conscientious few who are trying to live out the love of Jesus - or the humaneness of one's beliefs - well, God bless you. You, above many, are willing to be the used-and-useful broken vessels of the Holy Spirit bringing mighty rivers of living waters to all who are around you. I wonder at your marvel and pray your success over the powers wishing to overcome you. Stand in the Spitit and be strong!

Still, my doubtfulness to man's general abilitities to transcend our human-ness remains clear-eyed in its regards to our earthly failings and evils. Even so, all creation - not only humans - were created in God's Imago Dei to be, and to become, generatively loving, nurturing, and nourishing in passing along value-producing acts and deeds. But to this loving freedom has also come the deep harm we do to one another - and to nature itself - contrary to the Divine Image in which we were birthed and made....

An earthly Image corrupted by the very loving freedom with which we were given - and to which the Church declares as our "sin nature". A nature, or disposition, to which our own experience declare to us - and with the Apostle Paul in Romans 5-9 - the great weight of conflict and tension which wrestles daily with our errant souls in fully becoming what we could be in God's divine potentiality. Assuredly, Jesus' atoning redemption provides the divine power to our spiritual potential but even so, we can't help but ask why, with such great heavenly aide, why we fail so often and so completely against what we are and are to be.

And so, the question remains: "Can we become more than what we are?

Naturally the bible embodies many of those same questions in a dated sense even as humanity's centuries-old classical literature has repeated similar themes of conflict, tension, abject failure, soulful agony, personal repentance, deliverance, salvation and redemption, time-and-again, up to, and including, today's modern SciFi games and literature.

These themes of loss and gain can be thought of in processual terms as defining our soulful sentience. That of deep struggle, agonizing conflict, the deep inability to prevent loss, our weakness to difficult situations that are in us, and about us, and to which we are helpless at times to stop.

So the question of who-we-are as measured by how-we-are daily confronts us along with the why-we-are and the where-we-are-going. These are some of the age-old questions which look back at us from the works our enfeebled hands have produced by toil and sweat - perhaps by our own sinful deeds and evil acts or, prayerfully, by loving, selfless, sacrifice. DV


We, the vainglorious --
we earthly sentients,
may come as gods of harm
or as great helps to many.
This fearsome sentence we bear,
this deepest of sacraments we wear,
that burdens, burns, inflicts,
that lifts up or brings low,
is too great a thing
to have, to hold, to wield,
so fierce its works,
so awesome its majesties.

We, Thy holy Sentinels --
workers of endless wonders,
casters of resplendant miracles,
bringers of mighty gifts,
riches, and holy blessings,
ever by Thy loving hand foresworn.
An undying fire never to go out,
fiercest of fires and turmoils,
Giver of winds and waters,
Creator of men and gods,
embrazoned in fallible image,
unfallen and undying, most cursed.

R.E. Slater
June 8, 2023


So here are a few questions I have as we go forward:

  • What is meant by sentience as versus consciousness and conscientiousness. How are they alike or different?
  • Can AI portend a greater form of sentience than human sentience?
  • If there is such a thing as "Super Sentience" then what can this mean?
  • Can sentient AI feelings be knowingly exploited? And vice versa, can AI exploit human feelings?
  • What do we mean by an "Ethical Sentience" and can this be a corollary more appropriately referring to "Super Sentience?"

Peace,

R.E. Slater
June 8, 2023


A Few References Moving Forward

Why Quantum Computing Is Even More Dangerous Than Artificial Intelligence
The world already failed to regulate AI. Let’s not repeat that epic mistake.
Aug 21, 2022



LaMDA | Is google's AI sentient?  |  34:00
Full audio conversation between Blake Lemoine and LaMDA
by Curly Tail Media - Jun 23, 2022

Can artificial intelligence come alive? That question is at the center of a debate raging in Silicon Valley after Blake Lemoine, a Google computer scientist, claimed that the company's AI appears to have consciousness.


“Godfather of AI” Geoffrey Hinton Warns of the
“Existential Threat” of AI  | 18:08
by Amanpour and Company - May 9, 2023

Geoffrey Hinton, considered the godfather of Artificial Intelligence, made headlines with his recent departure from Google. He quit to speak freely and raise awareness about the risks of AI. For more on the dangers and how to manage them, Hinton joins Hari Sreenivasan.


Max Tegmark interview: Six months to save humanity from AI?
 DW Business Special  |   DW News
Apr 14, 2023

A leading expert in artificial intelligence warns that the race to develop more sophisticated models is outpacing our ability to regulate the technology. Critics say his warnings overhype the dangers of new AI models like GPT. But MIT professor Max Tegmark says private companies risk leading the world into dangerous territory without guardrails on their work. His Institute of Life issued a letter signed by tech luminaries like Elon Musk warning Silicon Valley to immediately stop work on AI for six months to unite on a safe way forward. Without that, Tegmark says, the consequences could be devastating for humanity.


AI and the future of humanity
Yuval Noah Harari at the Frontiers Forum
May 14, 2023

In this keynote and Q&A, Yuval Noah Harari summarizes and speculates on 'AI and the future of humanity'. There are a number of questions related to this discussion, including: "In what ways will AI affect how we shape culture? What threat is posed to humanity when AI masters human intimacy? Is AI the end of human history? Will ordinary individuals be able to produce powerful AI tools of their own? How do we regulate AI?"

The event was organized and produced by the Frontiers Forum, dedicated to connecting global communities across science, policy, and society to accelerate global science related initiatives.

It was produced and filmed with support from Impact, on April 29, 2023, in Montreux, Switzerland.

For more information on the Frontiers Forum go to https://forum.frontiersin.org/

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Google’s Sycamore quantum computer  |  Rocco Ceselin/Google

Google demonstrates vital step towards large-scale quantum computers

by Matthew Sparkes14 July 2021


Google has shown that its Sycamore quantum computer can detect and fix computational errors, an essential step for large-scale quantum computing, but its current system generates more errors than it solves.

Error-correction is a standard feature for ordinary, or classical, computers, which store data using bits with two possible states: 0 and 1. Transmitting data with extra “parity bits” that warn if a 0 has flipped to 1, or vice versa, means such errors can be found and fixed.

In quantum computing the problem is far more complex as each quantum bit, or qubit, exists in a mixed state of 0 and 1, and any attempt to measure them directly destroys the data. One longstanding theoretical solution to this has been to cluster many physical qubits into a single “logical qubit”. Although such logical qubits have been created previously, they hadn’t been used for error correction until now.

Julian Kelly at Google AI Quantum and his colleagues have demonstrated the concept on Google’s Sycamore quantum computer, with logical qubits ranging in size from five to 21 physical qubits, and found that logical qubit error rates dropped exponentially for each additional physical qubit. The team was able to make careful measurements of the extra qubits that didn’t collapse their state but, when taken collectively, still gave enough information to deduce whether errors had occurred.

Kelly says that this means it is possible to create practical, reliable quantum computers in the future. “This is basically our first half step along the path to demonstrate that,” he says. “A viable way of getting to really large-scale, error-tolerant computers. It’s sort of a look ahead for the devices that we want to make in the future.”


The team has managed to demonstrate this solution conceptually but a vast engineering challenge remains. Adding more qubits to each logical qubit brings its own problems as each physical qubit is itself susceptible to errors. The chance of a logical qubit encountering an error rises as the number of qubits inside it increases.

There is a breakeven point in this process, known as the threshold, where the error correction features catch more problems than the increase in qubits bring. Crucially, Google’s error correction doesn’t yet meet the threshold. To do so will require less noisy physical qubits that encounter fewer errors and larger numbers of them devoted to each logical qubit. The team believes that mature quantum computers will need 1000 qubits to make each logical qubit – Sycamore currently has just 54 physical qubits.

Peter Knight at Imperial College London says Google’s research is progress towards something essential for future quantum computers. “If we couldn’t do this we’re not going to have a large scale machine,” he says. “I applaud the fact they’ve done it, simply because without this, without this advance, you will still have uncertainty about whether the roadmap towards fault tolerance was feasible. They removed those doubts.”

But he says it will be a vast engineering challenge to actually meet the threshold and build effective error correction, which would mean building a processor with many more qubits than has been demonstrated until now.


* * * * * * *




Will AI Ever Become Sentient?
What Do the Latest Trends Say?

Written by Bishwadeep Mitra

20 March 2023 | 6 Min Read


In 2022, Google employee Blake Lemoine hit international headlines when he declared that a Google chatbot had gained sentience. His June 11 blog highlighted the conscious demands of the chatbot ‘LaMDA’ that mimicked reality so closely that it became a point of serious concern. Is AI (Artificial Intelligence) really gaining sentience or, in other words, able to experience feelings? How do we deal with such a possibility, especially when expert opinion surrounding sentient AI is already quite dystopian? Can we approach the idea of artificial sentience without being anxious at every step? This blog provides all the essential answers to bridge public apprehensions with scientific evidence on what is sentient AI.

What is Sentient AI?

Simply put, sentience is the capacity to feel and register experiences and feelings. AI becomes sentient when an artificial agent achieves the empirical intelligence to think, feel, and perceive the physical world around it just as humans do. Sentient AI would be equipped to process and utilize language in a natural way and invite an entirely new world of possibilities of technological revolution.

Are Language Programs like LaMDA Sentient AI?

LaMDA, which stands for ‘Language Model for Dialogue Applications’, is a chatbot based on a suggestive model similar to the technology deployed by GPT-3 and BERT models. According to its proprietary owner, Google, LaMDA can ingest trillions of words from the Internet and simultaneously form sensible, open-ended conversations. Although the neural network architecture that LaMDA uses has trained the language models to improve the specificity of its responses, it is still far from being considered sentient AI.

A 2022 BuiltIn report states that the answers provided by LaMDA’s different responses are comprehensive but not original. And there is reason to believe this. First, language models are now sophisticated enough to take on different personality types. Second, LaMDA can process millions of articles and discussions within seconds to come up with original content. Thus, the hype surrounding LaMDA being conscious of death from its fear of ‘being switched off’ is more a product of research skills and personality-adaptation techniques of the AI agent than a result of sentience. In short, LaMDA is not sentient.

What if AI Becomes More Sentient than Human?

With the rapid advancements in technology, it is often felt that copying human intelligence is only a matter of time, with imagination leading to dystopian worlds ruled by machines. However, the much revered British computer scientist, Stuart Russel, draws a crucial distinction between human-compatible AI and sentient AI. In his book ‘Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach,’ he points to the rise of an AI-driven culture where the agent doesn’t blindly follow orders but also tries to understand the nature of the query. However, according to Russell, three components must be present in order to become sentient:

  1. A perfect unity of an external body and internal mind
  2. A defining original language for the AI to access
  3. A defining culture to wire with other sentient beings

If technology does take that turn and sentient AI does develop, these could be its presumed effects:

Communication Errors

Despite understanding human languages, the modus operandi of AI is hard logic. As the core functional paradigm of human beings is emotions, there will be major communication discrepancies in human-AI communication.

Eroding Control

When AI develops autonomy, it might not provide consent to be controlled or ordered.

Diminishing Trust

It would be difficult to establish trust in a sentient AI that might develop the ability to provide incorrect information depending on circumstances. At the same time, when AI becomes better than or at par with humans, we could also lose trust in human abilities.

What Happens When an AI Becomes Sentient?

Having understood what it is, can we know how it will behave after it becomes sentient? We do not yet have a robust and evidence-based answer to this question. However, speculations connect the concepts of sentience with awareness, a sense of power, autonomy, and independence. This is why some scientists believe that with the rise of sentience in the digital realm, robots will learn to feel emotions apart from processing massive levels of information via Natural Language Processing (NLP). Thereafter, AI agents may start experiencing a wide range of complex emotions and successfully articulate them. But there is no empirical evidence to suggest such massive development in the next few decades or so.


Robert Long, a research fellow at the University of the Future of Humanity Institute at the University of Oxford, defines sentience as a subset of consciousness. He further says that in order to be conscious, one needs to have subjective experiences. This experiential knowledge determines the absoluteness of a distinct voice, which is readily visible in human conscious subjects. As experts argue about the threshold of sentience, there is a defining technological gap in the system vis-a-vis testing the sentience qualities of an AI agent. However, neuroscientist Giulio Tononi’s Integrated Information Theory suggests that, in principle, it is possible for us to digitize consciousness in its entirety. Moreover, AI researcher and one of the founders of General Language Understanding Evaluation (GLUE), Sam Bowman, claims the plausibility of AI becoming sentient within the next two decades but also draws the line of caution to understand what is sentient AI’s progress. and where it is leading us before stepping further.

What are the Main Concerns About It?

A 2022 Guardian article mentions that the culture of apprehension around sentient AI will inform the ideas that future generations hold about the concept. For instance, there have been many ominous rumours surrounding Google’s LaMDA despite discovering its limitations. In order to not be victims of misinformation, we should be aware of the wide concerns surrounding sentient AI and what we can do to curtail them, such as:

  • AI’s self-autonomy may allow it to inquire about its rights
  • AI’s idea of conscience and objective morality might not align with that of humans, leading to friction
  • AI agents might not prefer being subjected to experiments
  • AI agents may demand the same treatment as human beings

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Will it be before AI is Sentient Enough to Think for Itself?

While there is no definitive answer here, philosopher David Chalmer claims that we could witness a 20% sentient AI in the next ten years.

What Would be the Early Signs of Sentient AI Arriving?

The day AI surpasses human intelligence in the most complex tasks, and understanding the ramifications of each such task, will be the day AI becomes sentient.

How would I Interact with a Sentient AI?

Sentient AI would be smart enough to understand any human language. You can interact with a sentient AI as you do with humans—verbal language, sign language, or audio-visual media.

Understanding what is sentient AI’s role in building a futuristic world is crucial for developing human-AI synergy. To further develop an understanding of sentient technology, and the possibility of a sentience-driven AI culture, explore Emeritus’ artificial intelligence and machine learning courses.