Can ConsScale be regarded as a roadmap for MC implementations?

We believe that defining a scale for artificial consciousness is not only valuable as a tool for MC implementations comparative study, but also for establishing a possible engineering roadmap to be followed in the quest for conscious machines. Addressing the challenge of consciousness from the perspective of engineering involves defining a concrete plan. Most of current efforts are focused in particular aspects of consciousness; however, the way in which existing research projects might converge is not clear. Taking biological organisms as inspiration has been an obvious account for decades. Nevertheless, this inspiration usually takes the form of concrete functions or mechanisms, like attention or emotions, neglecting the whole picture. In this work, we propose to consider consciousness as the integrator that puts a mind together. Considering specific cognitive skills as individual or independent components will not help in the design of human-like machines. The idea is to re-define consciousness (at least, from the engineer's point of view) as a grand function which is composed of integrated cognitive capabilities. In this scenario, ConsScale suggests a path for the progressive development of artificial conscious agents. Other roadmaps could be defined. However, looking at how consciousness has evolved in nature seems to be a good approach. It does make sense to build empathic (level 8) agents in the first place, in order to be able to develop social (level 9) agents in the second place. 

  Whether or not the roadmap proposed in ConsScale is the best bet is an open question (possible enhancements of the scale could be thoroughly discussed elsewhere). Nonetheless, it certainly provides a plausible account for the incremental addition of integrated cognitive capabilities into an artificial system. Additionally, the definition and evolution of artificial consciousness metrics will help to determine the current state of the art, and to define the concrete objectives of the MC research field.

Help - FAQ