This discussion could be made more fruitful by distinguishing between phenomenal consciousness (sentience) and access/reflective consciousness (‘independent cognition’ in the author’s terminology). The article mainly addresses the latter, which narrows its ethical implications for AI.
“[ChatGPT] would therefore be conscious by most definitions” should be caveated; the presence of advanced cognition may (arguably) be convincingly attributed to ChatGPT by the article, but this does not hold for the other, ethically interesting phenomenal consciousness, involving subjective experience.
This discussion could be made more fruitful by distinguishing between phenomenal consciousness (sentience) and access/reflective consciousness (‘independent cognition’ in the author’s terminology). The article mainly addresses the latter, which narrows its ethical implications for AI.
“[ChatGPT] would therefore be conscious by most definitions” should be caveated; the presence of advanced cognition may (arguably) be convincingly attributed to ChatGPT by the article, but this does not hold for the other, ethically interesting phenomenal consciousness, involving subjective experience.
If I understand right the last sentence should say “does not hold”.
Thanks, corrected
Excellent point, thanks!