AI and the Sense of Self

TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance of developing AI systems with a sense of self to enhance autonomous decision-making and address ethical concerns, emphasizing the need for richer models of AI agents.

Contribution

It advocates for increased research into computational models of AI with a sense of self, linking philosophical questions to practical AI development.

Findings

Revisits philosophical foundations of intelligence and self-awareness in AI

Highlights the role of self in responsible autonomous decision-making

Calls for richer models of AI agents with a sense of self

Abstract

After several winters, AI is center-stage once again, with current advances enabling a vast array of AI applications. This renewed wave of AI has brought back to the fore several questions from the past, about philosophical foundations of intelligence and common sense -- predominantly motivated by ethical concerns of AI decision-making. In this paper, we address some of the arguments that led to research interest in intelligent agents, and argue for their relevance even in today's context. Specifically we focus on the cognitive sense of "self" and its role in autonomous decision-making leading to responsible behaviour. The authors hope to make a case for greater research interest in building richer computational models of AI agents with a sense of self.