Questions for a Materialist Philosophy Implying the Equivalence of Computers and Human Cognition

TL;DR

This paper examines the implications of a materialist philosophy equating computers and human cognition, analyzing issues in quantum measurement and experience, and proposing ways to demonstrate their equivalence.

Contribution

It identifies philosophical and scientific difficulties in equating computers with humans under materialism and suggests potential experimental approaches to address these challenges.

Findings

Highlights problems in quantum measurement under materialism

Discusses the nature of experience and dreams in this context

Proposes specifications for demonstrating computer-human equivalence

Abstract

Issues related to a materialist philosophy are explored as concerns the implied equivalence of computers running software and human observers. One issue explored concerns the measurement process in quantum mechanics. Another issue explored concerns the nature of experience as revealed by the existence of dreams. Some difficulties stemming from a materialist philosophy as regards these issues are pointed out. For example, a gedankenexperiment involving what has been called "negative" observation is discussed that illustrates the difficulty with a materialist assumption in quantum mechanics. Based on an exploration of these difficulties, specifications are outlined briefly that would provide a means to demonstrate the equivalence of of computers running software and human experience given a materialist assumption.