Consciousness & Reality (C&R) 2025-26 Series WHY THE EFFECTS OF CONSCIOUS EXPERIENCE DIFFER FROM AI

Wed, Jun 24th, 10 a.m. Pacific Time
Online-only event. Zoom link:
https://zoom.us/j/99505485799?pwd=fYOUh2gCTEuDgP8JlEq3ey2dvTr9Ip.1

SIR ROGER PENROSE
Emeritus Professor of Mathematics, University of Oxford
Emeritus fellow of Wadham College, Oxford
Honorary fellow of St John's College, Cambridge, and University College London
Nobel Laureate

Arguments based on Gödel's incompleteness theorems demonstrate that our conscious understanding of mathematical truth is not simply computational. However, current AI is not based on precise mathematical systems, but on examining large bodies of data, to provide standpoints on various issues. It is argued that such procedures do not resemble the effects of human understanding, but are much more akin to the actions of the cerebellum which, despite having the majority of neurons in the brain, appear to be entirely unconscious, providing nothing directly relevant to human consciousness and understanding. Suggestions are made regarding relevant new physics.

ABOUT THE EVENT
This lecture will be accessible to an interdisciplinary audience. Members from all divisions of the participating institutes and universities (Caltech, MIT, Cambridge, Oxford, Stanford, UA, UCB and IMICS) are welcome to join. Select questions from the Q&A window will be answered after the lecture.

ABOUT THE SERIES
The Consciousness & Reality colloquium series promotes interdisciplinary investigations on mind, cognition, consciousness, and the nature of reality. Recordings of previous C&R colloquia can be found on the Caltech and IMICS YouTube channels and on www.imics.org/seminars.