Out of the set of cognitive functions that an intelligent agent could potentially exhibit, the following group of functions specifically characterizes the behavior of a conscious agent: Theory of Mind (ToM), Executive Function (EF), and the modulating function of emotions.
In order to arrange key cognitive functions across incremental levels of artificial consciousness we have considered the synergy produced by their interrelation. Specifically, we consider the following bio-inspired composition and ordering (see related papers for details):
Our aim is to represent in the scale the synergy that emerges from the composition of these cognitive functions, giving place to higher potential levels of consciousness as they are integrated into a situated agent.
The following table summarizes the cognitive skills considered at each ConsScale level:
| ConsScale Level | Cognitive Skills (CSi,j) |
| Level 2. Reactive. | CS2,1: Fixed reactive responses (“reflexes”). |
| Level 3. Adaptive. |
CS3,1: Autonomous acquisition of new adaptive reactive responses. |
| Level 4. Attentional. |
CS4,1: Selection of relevant sensory information. |
| Level 5. Executive. |
CS5,1: Ability to move back and forth between multiple tasks. |
| Level 6. Emotional. |
CS6,1: Self-status assessment (background emotions). |
| Level 7. Self-Conscious. |
CS7,1: Representation of the relation between self and perception. |
| Level 8. Empathic. |
CS8,1: Ability to model others as subjective selves. |
| Level 9. Social. |
CS9,1: Ability to develop Machiavellian strategies like lying and cunning. |
| Level 10. Human-Like. |
CS10,1: Accurate verbal report. Advanced linguistic capabilities. |
| Level 11. Super-Conscious. | CS11,1: Ability to manage several streams of consciousness. |
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ConsScale - ConsScale Levels
New Scientist. 05 June 2010. Cover Story. pp. 28-31. The topic of mind uploading is addressed in the cover story of this New Scientist issue. ConsScale is quoted as an practical tool to really assess to what extent artificial avatars can be considered as conscious as ourselves. |
www.Conscious-Robots.com is a website about Machine Consciousness and Cognitive Robotics. The Test for Consciousness forum is the place for open discussion about ConsScale and other metrics for consciousness.