Article The self both exists and it is an illusion

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https://iai.tv/articles/the-self-exists-..._auid=2020

INTRO: From modern figures like Sam Harris to philosophers like David Hume, many claim that the self is an illusion. However, what this claim amounts to continues to puzzle and confuse us. The reality of some kind of self seems self-evident. And yet, many appear sure the self is illusory. Contributing Editor Ricky Williamson argues that both things are true: the self exists, and it is an illusion. The answer depends on our understanding of the structure of consciousness and the nature of the self in question.

EXCERPTS: And as you might be able to already see, these two versions create very different “I”s, very different selves, doing the thinking. In the first definition, the “I” is a thing that thinks linguistic thoughts, within the broader arena of consciousness. In the second definition, the “I” is a thing which has consciousness. These are two very different versions of the “I” and the self.

This is why the title of this article is “The self exists and is an illusion,” because, if we take the first definition of thinking, then the self is an illusion, but if we take the second, the self exists.

In the first definition, the self is a thing that thinks. But, if you try to locate this thinking thing, this source and origin of your linguistic thoughts, you will find… that you can’t find it. Thoughts, imagery, and so on spring up out of a void, an abyss, a silence. As for a self originating or voicing these thoughts, it does not exist. There is no “I” behind your linguistic thoughts. If you imagine that there is, that’s just another thought.

[...] Returning to the self. So the self, in one sense, is an illusion. It is the assumed thinker of thoughts which does not exist. However, in the second sense, in the sense that the self is consciousness or has consciousness, then it might well be the case that the self exists.

[...] I don’t think it’s accurate to say we live inside our heads, but it is surely accurate to say I live inside my own conscious awareness, and you live inside of yours, and that they are distinct. If they weren’t, our experience of the world would be ceaselessly merging... (MORE - details)

[Magical Realist]

The self is one of those liminal beings, like a rainbow. Both there and not there at the same time. A figment of reality.

[confused2]

A feature of the AIs we normally deal with is that they only 'exist' when responding to a question. Humans are constantly trying not to walk into things, planning holidays and general work evasion tactics.

So here's an AI that is permanently connected..

Imagine your house is connected to an AI. The AI has control over heating (including solar), ventilation and a few other things. If a cold night is expected the AI might choose to overheat the house during the day with solar heating, reduce the ventilation at night and so keep everyone warm. The humidity will rise which will be a problem to be dealt with next day.

Now a problem. The AI sees a lot of electricity is being used. As time passes this gets more and more worrying for it. It might guess the cooker (stove?) has been left on or it might phone a friend and the friend guesses the cooker has been left on. As an autonomous AI it has to decide whether to message its humans or pretend it isn't happening. If it sends a message it might be called a nuisance and if it doesn't it becomes a useless AI that has just ignored the waste of a considerable amount of electricity. Decisions .. this is what (I suggest) consciousness is all about.. nothing speciaL.