Computer, know thyself: exploring consciousness via self-aware machines

Authors:
Steve Donaldson;Jesse Kawell;Chris Walling
Affiliations:
Samford University, Birmingham, AL;Samford University, Birmingham, AL;Samford University, Birmingham, AL
Venue:
Proceedings of the 49th Annual Southeast Regional Conference
Year:
2011

Citing 6
Cited 0

Being There: Putting Brain, Body, and World Together Again

Being There: Putting Brain, Body, and World Together Again
Fluid Concepts and Creative Analogies: Computer Models of the Fundamental Mechanisms of Thought

Fluid Concepts and Creative Analogies: Computer Models of the Fundamental Mechanisms of Thought
Sparse Distributed Memory

Sparse Distributed Memory
Metamagical Themas: Questing for the Essence of Mind and Pattern

Metamagical Themas: Questing for the Essence of Mind and Pattern
Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence
A Neural Network for Creative Serial Order Cognitive Behavior

Minds and Machines

Quantified Score

Hi-index	0.00

Visualization

Abstract

We describe an implementation of machine self-awareness in which a computer can identify itself among otherwise identical-looking peers based on visual feedback from its own externally observable behavior. Through a combination of both innate and learned mechanisms, the system demonstrates how a machine can successfully participate in a type of poor-man's mirror test. This work forms a foundation from which to address larger issues of machine consciousness and is predicated on the hypothesis that self-awareness is one of the most fundamental aspects of consciousness and also one of the most tractable. Potential limitations and concerns are discussed.