From Consciousness to Computation: A spectrum of theories of consciousness and selected salient features germane to the development of thinking machines by Vivienne Gwen Wallace B.Sc., University of Toronto, 2004 Thesis Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the School of Computing Science Faculty of Applied Sciences Vivienne Gwen Wallace 2013 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Spring 2013 Approval Name: Vivienne Gwen Wallace Degree: Master of Science Title of Thesis: From Consciousness to Computation: A spectrum of theories of consciousness and selected salient features germane to the development of thinking machines Examining Committee: Chair: Oliver Schulte Associate Professor Robert Hadley Senior Supervisor Professor Richard Vaughan Supervisor Associate Professor Fred Popowich Internal Examiner Professor School of Computing Science Date Defended: April 5, 2013 ii Partial Copyright Licence iii Abstract This study investigated the field of consciousness to isolate concepts that might be useful in producing thinking machines, potentially with full consciousness. Questions that informed the research were: Is it possible to identify “successful” theories of consciousness? Can there be a set of salient features that would be useful in the evaluation of theories of consciousness? A literature survey identifies ways in which enduring problems in discussing intelligence, cognition and consciousness are addressed. The findings trace the development of Western theories of consciousness in the field of Cognitive Science. The resulting Spectrum of Theories of Consciousness is a high-level organization schema, evaluating theories for their relative reliance on physically verifiable evidence. Four selected Salient Features are: The Turing Test, Qualia, Implementation and Systematicity. The Spectrum and Salient Features provide a novel structure for comparison and evaluation of theories within the field of consciousness and the attempt to create thinking machines. Keywords: Theories of Consciousness; Cognitive Science; Turing Test; Qualia; Systematicity; Computational Implementation iv Dedication For my mother, without whom I would never have been able to complete this thesis. But I’m still not going to be a Judge! v Acknowledgements The act of researching and writing this thesis has been both challenging and satisfying, but the completion of this dissertation would not have been possible without the tireless efforts and support of a number of individuals. First, to my senior supervisor, Dr. Bob Hadley: my never ending thanks for your support and belief, your insight, and your ability to give me a push exactly when I needed it. Without you, I would never have had either the opportunity or the courage to undertake this effort. Dr. Richard Vaughan, for challenging me to constant improvement. The staff and managers at the BC Film Commission, who were always supportive and flexible throughout the many ups and downs of this degree. My family and friends for their patience with my many distractions and habit of using them as a thinking board. Finally, my thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Wallace, for your guidance and clarity on even the dark days. vi Table of Contents Approval .......................................................................................................................... ii Partial Copyright Licence ............................................................................................... iii Abstract .......................................................................................................................... iv Dedication ....................................................................................................................... v Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................ vi Table of Contents .......................................................................................................... vii List of Figures................................................................................................................. xi 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Preamble ................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Purpose of the Study .............................................................................................. 2 1.3 Structure of the Thesis ........................................................................................... 2 1.4 Rationale for and Significance of the Survey .......................................................... 3 1.5 Statement of the Problem and Research Questions ............................................... 3 1.6 Methodology ........................................................................................................... 4 1.7 Limitations of the Survey ........................................................................................ 4 1.8 Expected Outcomes ............................................................................................... 4 1.9 Chapter Summary .................................................................................................. 5 2 Literature Survey .................................................................................................. 6 2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 6 2.2 Purpose of Study .................................................................................................... 6 2.3 Structure of Survey ................................................................................................. 7 2.4 Classical Thinkers .................................................................................................. 8 2.4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................. 8 2.4.2 Classical Section Organization .................................................................... 8 2.4.3 The Mind-Body Problem ............................................................................. 8 2.4.4 Classical Dualism ........................................................................................ 9 2.4.5 Classical Monism ...................................................................................... 10 2.4.6 Summary .................................................................................................. 11 2.5 17th-19th Century Enlightenment ........................................................................... 11 2.5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 11 2.5.2 Enlightenment Section Organization ......................................................... 11 2.5.3 Descartes and Dualism ............................................................................. 12 2.5.4 The Empiricists ......................................................................................... 13 2.5.5 The Further Development of Monism ........................................................ 13 2.5.6 Idealism: Substance as Mental ................................................................. 14 2.5.7 Materialism: Substance as Physical Matter ............................................... 15 2.5.8 Neutral Monism ......................................................................................... 15 2.5.9 Empirical Methodology Arguments Against Dualism ................................. 16 2.5.10 John Stuart Mill ......................................................................................... 17 2.5.10.1 The Other Minds Problem ......................................................... 17 2.5.10.2 Emergence ............................................................................... 18 2.5.11 Summary .................................................................................................. 18 2.6 20th Century and Beyond ...................................................................................... 18 2.6.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 18 vii 2.6.2 Modern Section Organization .................................................................... 19 2.6.3 Behaviourism ............................................................................................ 20 2.6.4 Materialism ............................................................................................... 21 2.6.4.1 Materialism Overview ................................................................. 21 2.6.4.2 Reductive Materialism ................................................................ 22 2.6.4.2.1 Introduction ........................................................................ 22 2.6.4.2.2 Qualia ................................................................................ 22 2.6.4.2.3 J.T. Place ........................................................................... 23 2.6.4.2.4 Herbert Feigl ...................................................................... 23 2.6.4.2.5 J.J.C. Smart ....................................................................... 24 2.6.4.3 Eliminative Materialism ............................................................... 24 2.6.4.3.1 Introduction .......................................................................