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Forbes
2 days ago
- Science
- Forbes
What Today's Leading Philosophers Have To Say About Conscious AI
TOPSHOT - A robot using artificial intelligence is displayed at a stand during the International ... More Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, on May 30, 2024. Humanity is in a race against time to harness the colossal emerging power of artificial intelligence for the good of all, while averting dire risks, a top UN official said. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images) It is an illusion. Consciousness, that is. Earlier this month, leading experts in the realm of the mind gathered in Heraklion, Crete, for the International Center for Consciousness Studies (ICCS) annual conference. The topic for this year was Artificial Intelligence and Sentience. All the participating philosophers, psychologists, neurosurgeons, cognitive scientists and entrepreneurs agreed; the matter at hand is no longer just a subgenre of science fiction. According to David Hulme, CEO of Conscium, a machine consciousness research group and consultancy based in London, we have approximately five years before AI becomes a fully autonomous conscious agent. Given the numerous ethical questions associated with machine consciousness, Hulme and Conscium are as invested in the guiding principles of the research as the research itself. Their principles are readily available as an open letter on their website. The general public seems to agree about the imminence of conscious AI. Clara Colombatto, a University of Waterloo psychologist specializing in the perception of other minds, presented a series of empirical studies conducted to gauge the public perception of AI consciousness. In these tests, ChatGPT-4 is the constant used as AI. The results suggest that Hulme may actually be too generous in his timetable; 57-67% of those surveyed believe that ChatGPT is already conscious to some degree. Ok, so what? Does this mean that we must brace ourselves for a Matrix-like world? The computer scientist Roman Yampolskiy, author of Artificial Superintelligence: A Futuristic Approach, thinks so. Unlike today's cybersecurity, for example, where you can manually rectify a problem (e.g., banks issue a new credit card in cases of fraud), there will be no way out when a problem arises with conscious AI. Once it becomes conscious, it is already uncontrollable. The creation and implementation of conscious AI would then have to be perfect, which according to Yampolskiy is impossible. However, Yampolskiy would be the first to admit he is further down the doom-scale than most. Others are more hopeful; the philosopher and entrepreneur Dmitry Volkov, co-founder of the ICCS and CEO of Social Discovery Group (SDG), a global investment firm, believes the 2013 Spike Jonze film Her is a more apt prediction. This is why ten years later Volkov founded the girlfriend app Eva AI, an 'ideal AI partner who listens, and is always in touch with you.' The idea for Eva AI came out of data analysis from SDG, one of the first players in the online dating market. Many of the users were not always willing to meet but still desire communication. The Eva AI mission statement, according to Volkov: 'We are trying to solve the problem of loneliness from the other end, not from the Tinder attraction side.' This is where AI may be surprisingly effective. Volkov points out, 'when you disclose emotionally invaluable information with some other person, that has a real positive impact. But if you disclose it to humans or AI, it actually does not matter. "And we found early on [in our research] that emotional disclosure to AI has an even bigger positive impact. [The users] are discussing with a degree of honesty that is higher than if they were discussing with their brother or mother, because sometimes your brother or mother is your biggest judge.' The ethical implications of Eva AI are vast, but Volkov thinks it can be a tool for tenderness. 'If we develop an AI that is both capable of loving and capable of being loved, then it is sort of a solution. We don't kill or torture the ones we love, even if they are inferior to us…So the project that we are engaged in is actually trying to build an AI that is not the smartest thing in the world but has the emotional intelligence that's high enough to understand your feelings.' Much of the conversation on conscious AI centers around ethics. The cognitive philosopher Andy Clark, who was honored at the ICCS conference for his contributions to the study of consciousness, calls the ethical implications of AI 'the burning question.' Volkov has a theory why. 'Ethics,' he says, 'comes very naturally. We are social beings, and for us, it is very important to be able to differentiate between the good and the bad.' On the other hand, he believes that 'philosophers actually created the problem of consciousness. Most people get it when they put enough effort, but it's not coming naturally.' Clark and the rest of the ICCS mainly focused on the metaphysical problems of defining and fine-tuning the concept of consciousness during their time in Crete. In a 1994 lecture, the Australian philosopher Dave Chalmers first articulated the hard problem of consciousness. This became the seminal 1995 paper 'Facing Up To The Hard Problem of Consciousness.' In very general terms, the hard problem questions the explanatory gap between the physical wiring and firing in the brain and the subjective experience of what it is like to be you. How can something purely physical (the body/brain) give way to something nonphysical (subjective experience)? In order to fully understand consciousness and what it may mean for AI, the hard problem must be solved. Importantly, it can be solved. There is a concept of consciousness, it is intrinsic to the subject, and it cannot be explained in purely physical terms. This is the realist view of consciousness. As it turned out, Chalmers was all but alone in this view at the ICCS conference. Most belonged to the illusionist camp. Chalmers even quipped that the Center ought to be called the Illusionist Center for Consciousness Studies. Illusionism as a philosophy of mind is spearheaded by the English philosopher Keith Frankish. Frankish and the illusionists believe the hard problem is asking a bad question. Consciousness can be explained in purely physical, functional, and causal terms. It is simply a series of complex predictive, reactionary, and informational processes or models. There are some thinkers, such as English neuropsychologist Nick Humphrey, that have issues with the name 'illusionism' itself. But a key aspect of the theory is that the subjective experience central to realism still seems to exist. In other words, human consciousness is an illusion. Looking past these semantic disagreements, illusionism appears to be the leading view in the current philosophy of mind landscape. And yet the illusionists do not always see eye to eye. Unlike Volkov, the philosopher Katarina Marcincinova of the Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies in Slovakia was fearful of the possibility of AI (functional) consciousness, opining it will be 'highly dangerous and ethically problematic.' For example, she worries about counterfeit people pretending to be human. Still, Marcincinova believes the illusion of our consciousness is essential; it allows us to create a sense of purpose for life, the world, and ourselves. Whether it is ethics or metaphysics, it is clear that the rise of artificial intelligence has pushed the work of philosophers to the forefront. According to Andy Clark, this is where philosophy ought to be. 'The generality of philosophy is key. It gives you the tools to think a little bit more clearly about any problem, and we need to think about what AI is offering.'
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Telegraph
Escape the hordes at Greece's last great off-the-radar glories
Tiers of whitewashed houses tumbling down to impossibly blue coves, charming tavernas serving the classics in sleepy villages, and greetings of 'opa' from exuberant locals… Our rose-tinted idea of the Greek island idyll is now all too often a nostalgic cliché which no longer truly exists. These days the most popular resorts on the Greek island big hitters – the likes of Crete, Corfu and Mykonos – seem more focussed on Instagram appeal, where Gen-Zedders and wannabe influencers think nothing of shelling out €150-plus for a beach lounger for a day. In the main streets you're never far away from a big chain, from Zara to Starbucks, and even the so-called 'hidden gems' are now on most tourists' checklists. But for those still seeking that archetypal authentic Greek island holiday – and perhaps looking to experience must-sees a little differently – help is at hand. Here's our selection of the loveliest off-the-radar spots which the tourist hordes haven't yet discovered, and where the hazy, dreamy Greece of yesteryear lives on. Skopelos Before hosting the Mamma Mia nuptials, this small island in the Cyclades was barely on the tourist trail. Now, however, you'll find more tours in its tiny hilltop Agios Ioannis church than olives in a Greek restaurant. Yes, it's pretty as a picture, but so are the other 360 or so chapels and churches dotted around the island. Go beyond this popular spot, however, and you'll soon find Skopelos – 80 per cent of which is covered by pine forest – retains much of its traditional charm. This is helped by the fact that the island has no airport (just frequent ferries from neighbouring Skiathos), meaning it gets a fraction of the tourists it otherwise might. The stunning Panormos beach, with its deep crystal clear waters, is 12km from Skopelos town and popular for divers keen to explore the wreck of the Greek cargo steamer Christoforos, which sank in 1983. It's a large beach with parasols and beds (some free, some around €5 a day), but it's also possible to hire a motorboat to seek out one of many deserted coves along the coastline that are inaccessible by road. For some authentic Skopelitan shopping, the Rodios pottery workshop and store in Skopelos Town is the place to to buy the island's patented black pottery. Since 1900, four generations of the Rodios family have continued their tradition of creating unique black ceramics, and you can even watch Nikos Rodios at work at their original foot-operated wheel. Just don't ask him to reveal how the pottery achieves its celebrated colour – it's a closely guarded secret. Portaria and Makrinitsa The third largest port in Greece (after Athens and Thessaloniki) and an important industrial hub, Volos is about as far from textbook Hellenic paradise as you can get. But there's more to it than meets the eye. For those seeking something rather special, it's also the gateway to the lush hills of Mount Pelion, where the ancient Centaurs (half-man, half-horse) are said to have brought up the young hero Jason, who went on to lead his Argonauts in the quest to find the Golden Fleece. Pelion was also believed to be the summer residence of the Olympian Gods, who enjoyed its abundance of figs, olives and pomegranates under the pine and cypress trees. Half an hour's drive up the winding hillside, the twin villages of Portaria and Makrinitsa appear like an illustrated pop-up book. Plane trees with maple-shaped leaves grow close to the abundant natural springs dotted all around Makrinitsa, offering soothing shade for those keen to take a dip. The town square, meanwhile, is the heart of the village, filled with tiny shops selling bunches of mountain herbs to cure all ills. Even the local cats are on a go-slow; you simply can't help but relax here. Skyros The fishing village of Linaria is the port stop for Skyros, from where a €15 taxi will take you to the main town (or Chora – the name for most Greek island capitals). Here, the medina-like streets and white-cubed buildings seem to cling to the hillside, which is topped by the Byzantine Castle and Monastery of Skyros. Not being much of a shopper myself, it was refreshing to see something different being offered in the quirky stores along the marbled walkways: miniature boats made of driftwood and sailors twine; traditional Trochadia sandals made of leather with rubber soles from car tyres (certainly more unusual than the ubiquitous Birkenstock); and Skyrian macarons topped with a clove and stuffed with walnuts and thyme-scented honey. The island's network of old footpaths appeals to both hikers and those keen to seek out isolated beaches, the walk made all the lovelier by the wild Skyros' ponies, one of the rarest equines in the world, who roam the mountains. Patmos Known variously as the Jerusalem of the Aegean, the Holy Island or the Island of the Apocalypse, Patmos is famous for its religious legacy. A day trip here will likely include a visit to the Monastery of St John and the Cave of the Apocalypse, where you will see such treasures as the skull of doubting apostle St Thomas. The museum houses the late 5th century Gospel According to Mark, one of the sources for the text of the New Testament, and in the Cave of Revelations you can touch the crevices in the wall where St John steadied himself while receiving the heavenly revelations. Perhaps not a huge draw for everyone, but of special importance for many. Less likely to be on everyone's radar is Patmian House, a living museum which not only reflects a typical wealthy family home, but also depicts the way in which wealth is passed down through the daughters, rather than the sons, of each family. Perhaps the Greeks were on to something from the start… How to do it Most major cruise lines offer itineraries covering various Greek isles – but bear in mind that companies with smaller vessels can reach a wider range of islands, and – better still – have the flexibility to adapt itineraries depending on the sailing conditions, opening up more opportunities to get off the typical tourist trail. A good option is SeaDream, a line whose catchphrase is 'It's yachting, not cruising': you're technically on a cruise, but with a yachting mindset, allowing for a flexible route which often leads to bonus destinations not on the original itinerary (such as Kusadasi in Turkey to see the ancient city of Ephesus by night). Choosing to sail with a company like SeaDream also often means additional comforts (nightly turndown gifts such as monogrammed pyjamas and personalised water bottles, for example), and experiential highlights such as sleeping under the stars on the top deck or zooming down a huge inflatable slide straight into the Aegean. What to book SeaDream Yacht Club (020 7399 7670) has an 11-day Greek Odyssey round-trip from Athens. Prices from £12,465 per person, including return flights from London Heathrow, overseas transfers and all meals and drinks, use of waterspouts equipment, gratuities and port fees. Departs September 19 2026. If you'd like to tack on a few days in Athens pre-cruise, the five-star Xenodocheio Milos hotel has rooms from £259 (including breakfast), as well as a fabulous spa, superb fish restaurant, and great location close to Athens's most famous sites and buzzy areas such as Psyri, Kolonaki and Pangrati.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Firefighters in Greece continue to tackle wildfires
Firefighters in Greece are continuing to tackle wildfires in several parts of the country for the second day. There are five major fires across the in a region just north of the capital Athens have been evacuated. Czech firefighters and Italian aircraft are due to arrive later on Sunday to help fight the fires. The ongoing emergency comes as a severe heatwave hits the country, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 44 celsius. Residents in the town of Kryoneri, 12 miles north from Athens, have had to evacuate along with people living in villages in the same region after a fire which broke out on Saturday rapidly spread. Four other fires continue to burn across the mainland and several islands including the island of Kythira, the coastguard along with private boats rescued people from one of the beaches and took to safety. Record breaking temperatures and strong winds have allowed the fires to spread more easily and the scattered locations have made tackling the blazes difficult. . Greece has formally requested assistance from the Italian aircraft are expected to arrive later on Sunday, while Czech Republic firefighters are reportedly already on the ground. Officials said on Sunday that the situation was improving, but there was still a fire threat across the country."Today is expected to be a difficult day with a very high risk of fire, almost throughout the territory", fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said in a month, fires broke out on Greece's fifth-biggest island Chios, while earlier this month a major wildfire in Crete forced the evacuation of thousands of people.
Sky News
2 days ago
- Climate
- Sky News
Parts of Athens evacuated after more than 50 wildfires in 24 hours
Why you can trust Sky News Parts of Athens have been evacuated after more than 50 wildfires broke out in 24 hours, fuelled by dry conditions, high winds and extreme temperatures. People living in the suburb of Kryoneri, around 12.5 miles (20 km) northeast of the Greek capital, were told to move to safe areas on Saturday. At least five people, most of them elderly with respiratory problems, have been treated in hospital for burns or smoke inhalation. Almost 150 firefighters are battling the blaze, backed up by 44 fire engines, 10 firefighting planes and seven helicopters. Greece has asked for six firefighting planes from the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism to help fight the 52 wildfires raging this weekend, fire service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyannis said. Photos showed houses and tree-covered hills on fire as temperatures hit 38C (100F) - with warnings they could climb to 44C (111F) - and dry conditions and high winds fanned the flames. Mr Vathrakoyannis said that under such conditions wildfires "expand very quickly and become dangerous", adding: "These conditions are expected to prevail over the coming days." There have been reports of damage, he said, and authorities "will take stock when the fires have been put out". At least 335 firefighters are battling three major fires in the southwest on Greece's two largest islands - Crete in the south and Evia north of Athens - and also on the island of Kythera, northwest of Crete. Helping in the effort to extinguish them are 19 planes and 13 helicopters, but they can only operate in daylight, the spokesman said. Wildfires, many of them destructive, have become a common occurrence in Greece in recent years and several have broken out in the past month. In neighbouring Albania, 26 fires broke out throughout the country on Saturday, following a large fire near the southern Albanian town of Delvina on Friday, which injured three people and forced the evacuation of about 2,000 residents. In Kosovo, firefighters managed to extinguish 17 blazes fuelled by strong winds while 12 others remained active, officials said. Eight cows were killed in the southern town of Prizren, after a fire engulfed a farm, local emergency services said while 40 sheep died in a fire in the east of the country. In Turkey, the country's fourth-largest city, Bursa, was threatened by wildfires that have been burning for weeks, local officials said on Sunday.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
Huge wildfires spreads across Athens and two popular Greek islands as thousands are evacuated
MASSIVE wildfires have erupted in Greece after a week-long heatwave peaked with temperatures surpassing 45 degrees. Thousands of people have reportedly been evacuated as fires swept villages near Athens and other Greek islands. 9 9 A wildfire burned through a northern suburb of the Greek capital on Saturday, and some residents were ordered to evacuate, the country's Fire Service reported. Residents of the town of Kryoneri, some 12 miles northeast of Athens, received three SMS messages to evacuate to safe areas. While residents of the nearby village of Krioneri were instructed by authorities to evacuate. Explosions could be heard as huge clouds of smoke covered Drosopigi village, 15 miles north of Athens, where factories with flammable material are located. Helicopters dropped water, and 65 firefighters battled the flames, assisted by 26 vehicles and two aircraft. Fire service is also dealing with three other major fires in the southwest of Greece's two largest islands, Crete in the south and Evia. At least 335 firefighters, 19 planes and 13 helicopters are involved, but can only operate in daylight, authorities revealed. In total, 52 wildfires broke out across the country over the past 24 hours, a spokesman for the fire department said. Strong winds are causing the fire to spread rapidly and prompting evacuations of several settlements. On the island of Evia, 115 firefighters and 24 vehicles were deployed to put out fires, assisted by six aircraft and seven helicopters, but strong winds were hampering their efforts. Moment Brit expats tour smouldering shell of Cyprus home they fled as deadly wildfires hit Residents of the island's Triada area were told to be ready in case they needed to leave. The fire on Evia is the latest in a series of bushfires stoked by strong winds and dry conditions this month. On the island of Kythera, authorities evacuated the villages of Aroniadika, Pitsinades and Aryoi. In the area of Messinia, west of Athens, residents of the Kryoneri and Sellas villages were also told to leave. These sites were on a list of Greek regions on high alert for wildfires due to record-breaking temperatures and strong winds due on Saturday. Temperatures in Greece were forecast to reach up to 44 degrees Celsius on Saturday, the Greek weather service said. Wildfires, many of them destructive, have become a common occurrence in Greece in recent years. Several have broken out in the past month. Greece and other Mediterranean countries are in an area dubbed "a wildfire hotspot" by scientists, with blazes common during hot and dry summers. 9 9 9 9 These have become more destructive in recent years. Earlier this month, some 1,500 people were evacuated after raging wildfires spread across Crete. The night sky turned orange as the burning blazes left a trail of destruction on the popular island. Evacuations were ordered at three sites outside the port of Ierapetra on the island's south coast, authorities said. Homes were reportedly damaged as flames swept through hillside forests, fanned by strong winds. Meanwhile, devastating wildfires have again erupted in Turkey, with hundreds of people evacuated as massive blazes continue to rip through the country. Presidetn Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned of a "truly great disaster" after at least 13 people died in the fatal fires. New wildfires broke out on Turkey's Mediterranean coast on Friday, as the government declared two western provinces in the country to be "disaster zones". East of Antalya, fires broke out in Adana and Mersin on Friday. Elsewhere in the country, firefighters continued battling blazes in Eskisehir and nearby Karabuk that have been raging for several days. Meanwhile, Cyprus has been hit with its worst wildfires "for 50 years" amid growing fears a 44°C heatwave will fuel the blaze even further. The country has plunged into chaos after two people were burnt alive and more than 70 houses were destroyed. 9 9
