Abstract: BEGIN OI aims to engineer biological neural systems for computation. These neuromorphic technologies may help advance our understanding of human cognition, build more energy efficient computing systems, or solve complex problems typically associated with embodied intelligence. Yet bioethicists argue that if such entities become conscious, they have ‘moral status’, which places limits on research. How shall we determine what is conscious? More generally, how should we conceptualize cognitive capacities in terms of biological computation and what would these conjectures means for ethics? Here, I will present insights into the public’s bioethics of consciousness. These results shed light on the public’s psychology of consciousness and how perceptions of benefit encroach on moral assessments of engineered systems that could be conscious. I will conclude by taking an evolutionary and computationally centric approach to defining the biological basis of cognition in engineered neural systems that may be informative for normative decision-making.
Note: A moderated discussion will follow the lecture.
Speaker(s): Lomax Boyd,
Agenda:
6:00-6:30 Light Refreshments
6:30-7:30 Lecture
7:30-8:30 Moderated Discussion
This will be a hybrid event. We will order a selection of Potbelly sandwiches for anyone that plans to attend in person and registers by noon on Thursday May 1. If you have dietary restrictions please send email to pabshire@umd.edu
The in-person event will take place in Room 1207 of the Iribe Building on the campus of the University of Maryland, College Park. This building is labeled 432 and outlined in red on the campus map below. The closest parking is in Lots 11b, CC1, Regents Drive Garage (B & RR) , and C1. These lots are unrestricted for parking after 4pm and are colored green in the map below.
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Room: 1207, Bldg: Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering, 8125 Paint Branch Dr., College Park, Maryland, United States, 20742, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/482232