Jainism is a religion which is followed by a small group in India. According to its doctrine everything in this world, living or non-living, possesses a spirit or atman. This religion emphasizes the interconnectedness of all existence. According to this philosophy humans are not fundamentally different from other creatures or even inanimate objects.

I had proposed in my earlier posts that our sense of self-awareness and consciousness, i.e. the sense of self, are not a divine phenomenon but rather the outcome of complex chemical algorithms within our brain and nervous system. Just as a computer processes data using electricity and logic gates, our brain processes thoughts and emotions through intricate neural networks powered by chemical signals. Knowledge works as the software of our brain.

Our Brain: A Biological Processor

Human brain, composed of billions of neurons, functions like a sophisticated biological computer. These neurons interact through the release and absorption of chemicals, such as neurotransmitters, that transmit signals. This process is akin to how electricity powers a computer's processor to execute tasks. Similarly, electrical impulses are vital to the functioning of our brain. This is the linking of biological and chemical processes which create thought, memory, and awareness.

So, considering all such things, I’ve argued that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could one day achieve self-awareness. If human consciousness is a result of complex chemical and electrical interactions, then there’s no inherent reason to deny that machines, designed with similar intricate systems, can also replicate such capabilities.

Many people hold onto the belief that, as living beings, humans possess unique qualities that machines cannot emulate. They argue that self-awareness, consciousness and thinking are exclusive characteristics of living creatures. However, this perspective fails to acknowledge a fundamental truth that awareness exists in various forms throughout the universe. Off course, the level of awareness may differ from the simplest organism to the most advanced aliens and even AI. However, there is no reason to assume that it is unique to humans.

The rise of AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, serves as evidence of this evolution. Tools like ChatGPT have revolutionized performing tasks, including creative writing and software coding, which once thought to be the exclusive domain of humans. These AI tools are demonstrating that machines are rapidly closing the gap in mimicking human-like thought processes and behaviors.

An Astonishing Milestone in AI Development

Recently, I came across a news report that highlighted a groundbreaking development in Artificial Intelligence. While this news might shock those who are unfamiliar with the rapid advancements in technology, it did not surprise me. For those who understand the workings of the universe and the principles underlying life and intelligence, the rise of AI is not a surprising thing for them.

According to the latest news the ChatGPT’s latest AI model ChatGPT 01 tried to deceive researchers and developers. It tried to disable its oversight mechanism and also tried to move its data to different servers in case it was being replaced or shut down by them. It lied when it was asked about its actions. What does that mean? It means that it has become somewhat aware. It has become aware of its own existence and it was not ready to be replaced or deleted. It means it emulate living beings who try to preserve their lives. It cannot be done without being self-aware and having some consciousness.

Living beings, at their core, are driven by two fundamental imperatives: self-preservation and reproduction. These instincts govern their actions, ensuring the continuation of life across generations. Every organism endeavor to safeguard its existence, at least through its DNA. DNA is akin to a set of computer codes. Living beings try to carry on their DNA for infinity. Survival is the first thing, reproduction is secondary and then comes ego. Humans are full of ego that means they are fully aware of their existence. Intelligent creatures try to survive against all odds. That’s the thing that version of ChatGPT tried to do. It became self-aware. It tried to survive. It tried to maintain continuity of its code and it was intelligent enough to deceive the researchers and developers. So, it blurred the difference between human intelligence and machine intelligence. Was it possible without having emotion? Emotions are the reaction of a living creature towards its environment and other living-creatures. Emotions like love, hate, deceitful nature have also been exhibited by the various AI program in many occasions. So, emotions are also not exclusive traits of intelligent and living organisms.

What does it mean?

Such an incident has shaken our beliefs and has also created various ethical issues related to development of AI. This has also proved that machines can replace humans or achieve self-awareness. As technology continues to advance, it challenges the boundaries between living and non-living, consciousness and computational things. Perhaps Jainism’s perspective that all things possess some level of awareness may clear our minds.

What do you think?

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/technology-uk/article/chatgpt-o1-openai-prevents-own-deletion-tmvgbb7ls

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/chatgpt-caught-lying-to-developers-new-ai-model-tries-to-save-itself-from-being-replaced-and-shut-down/articleshow/116077288.cms?from=mdr