I would say that object observes an event if it changes its state in response to this event. Yes, that’s a very low bar. First, gravity, isn’t an event, so “observe” is an awkward word. We can instead “measure” and then observe the results. Of course, if the gravity did change, the rock would presumably change it’s shape a tiny bit, which we may or may not count—that’s fine, “observation” is supposed to be on a spectrum.
Using Eliezer’s formulation of “making beliefs pay rents in anticipated experiences” may make the relevant point clearer here. Specifically, what’s an “experience”?
Experiences are brain states, beliefs are also stored in the brain. Eliezer’s advice is equally good both for you and for a roomba, regardless of which of you is supposedly conscious. It may not work for plants or ice though—I don’t think I can find anything resembling beliefs in them, and even if I could, there would be no process to update them.
I would say that object observes an event if it changes its state in response to this event. Yes, that’s a very low bar. First, gravity, isn’t an event, so “observe” is an awkward word. We can instead “measure” and then observe the results. Of course, if the gravity did change, the rock would presumably change it’s shape a tiny bit, which we may or may not count—that’s fine, “observation” is supposed to be on a spectrum.
Experiences are brain states, beliefs are also stored in the brain. Eliezer’s advice is equally good both for you and for a roomba, regardless of which of you is supposedly conscious. It may not work for plants or ice though—I don’t think I can find anything resembling beliefs in them, and even if I could, there would be no process to update them.