What is this all about?
We’re analysing arguments and theories connected to the possibility of computer consciousness — and what it might mean for society.
These posts are primarily to share updates on Co-Sentience Initiative (CoSI) projects.
CoSI exists to help prepare for a future shared with artificial minds. We know very little today about the nature of AI, how society should handle increasingly agentic AI, how we might recognise artificial consciousnesses, and what to do during this critical period of uncertainty and transition.
CoSI believes that our collective intuitions about consciousness will play a major role in the next few years, with the topic moving from academia into mainstream debate. To foster better outcomes, we must hold academic theories to higher standards, raise awareness about key arguments, and improve the quality and diversity of research.
Specific projects include:
Formal arguments about computational functionalism. The cf-debate site aims for comprehensive coverage of all arguments for and against this possibility, including major counter-arguments and closely related topics. If we’re missing any, please let us know (there is a reward scheme in place).
‘Indicators for consciousness’. A living resource for what different theories of consciousness tell us indicate consciousness in any particular physical system, including detail on where those indicators aren’t (yet) precise enough to be used.
Project C-Change. An interview and survey program designed to understand why people change their mind about what consciousness is or what kinds of systems are conscious.
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