Viability of realizing mortal computations via immortal computations

Determine whether a mortal computation corresponding to consciousness can be realized by immortal computations and, if so, identify the formal conditions under which such realization is possible.

Background

Although the paper argues that computational functionalism implies consciousness is a mortal computation, it does not fully settle whether immortal computations could nonetheless realize or implement such a mortal computation.

Establishing the viability of this possibility is crucial for assessing the prospects of AI consciousness under current computational paradigms and depends on clarifying the nature and formal definition of mortal computation.

References

That is because it might be the case that consciousness, despite being a mortal computation, can be realized by immortal computations. Whether this is a viable option, and what precisely it means to realize or implement a mortal computation, depends on details of the notion of mortal computation that are to be developed in future research.

— Consciousness qua Mortal Computation (2403.03925 - Kleiner, 6 Mar 2024) in Section 7 (Conclusion)