Mind Matters Natural and Artificial Intelligence News and Analysis

TagRobert J. Marks

ai-technology-robotic-technology-system-molecule-of-chemical-atom-cell-plexus-and-science-abstract-futuristic-universe-cyber-network-server-online-background-illustration-3d-rendering-stockpack-adobe-stock
ai technology, robotic technology system, molecule of chemical, atom cell plexus and science, abstract futuristic universe cyber network server online, background illustration 3d rendering
Type
post
Author
News
Date
April 11, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , , , ,

Meta AI Scientist: AGI is a Pipe Dream

Human intelligence still can't be matched by a soulless algorithm
News
April 11, 2024
2
Artificial Intelligence

Predictions on AI’s ever-developing complexity have tech optimists counting the days until the machine replaces the human mind. Artificial general intelligence is the term they use to describe the point in which AI will officially overtake human intelligence. However, certain experts in the field, among them Robert J. Marks, host of the Mind Matters podcast, protest the assumption. AI researcher and scientist Yann LeCun, the AI chief at Meta, said recently that the current AI systems are nowhere close to achieving human-like intelligence. LeCun said, “We’re easily fooled into thinking they are intelligent because of their fluency with language, but really, their understanding of reality is very superficial,” he said. “They’re useful, there’s no question about that. But on the Read More ›

soldier-on-top-of-the-mountain-with-the-israeli-flag-stockpack-adobe-stock
Soldier on top of the mountain with the Israeli flag
Type
post
Author
Robert J. Marks
Date
April 7, 2024
Categorized
Military
Tagged
, , , ,

Cyberwarfare in the Israeli War

Cyberwarfare is the new arms race where opponents try to outdo each other using computer technology
Robert J. Marks
April 7, 2024
2
Military

Cyberwarfare is the new arms race where opponents try to outdo each other using computer technology. For example, some missiles are guided by the GPS I use daily and take for granted. Israel’s cybersecurity infrastructure has activated nationwide GPS jamming. The jamming seeks to disrupt drones and GPS-guided missiles aimed at the country.   Nowhere is GPS jamming more concentrated than in the Middle East. HERE is a map of areas around the world where GPS is disrupted. Click and drag to rotate the globe. In developing weapons in the cyberwarfare back and forth, the United States remains aware of dependency on easily disreputable technology like GPS. If GPS is disrupted, what technology can take its place? One approach is Read More ›

the-concept-of-the-infinite-universe-and-its-mysteries-through-abstract-forms-stockpack-adobe-stock
The concept of the infinite universe and its mysteries through abstract forms
Type
post
Author
News
Date
March 24, 2024
Categorized
Cosmology
Tagged
, , , , ,

Is There Any Evidence That Our Universe Is One of Many?

Philosopher Nancey Murphy recently confessed that she had to adjust her thinking based on the idea that multiverse theory “had progressed.” But has it?
News
March 24, 2024
5
Cosmology
There is plenty of evidence for the fine-tuning of the only universe we know. But, physicist Rob Sheldon says, there is still no evidence for a multiverse. Read More ›
glowing-mind-image-mixed-media-stockpack-adobe-stock
Glowing mind image . Mixed media
Type
post
Author
News
Date
March 22, 2024
Categorized
Philosophy
Tagged
, , , , ,

Doesn’t Methodological Naturalism Refute Itself?

Listen to the new podcast episode discussing this question
News
March 22, 2024
1
Philosophy

Get caught up with the Mind Matters podcast by listening to this special episode featuring hosts Angus Menuge and Robert J. Marks and their guest, Dr. Robert Larmer. Dr. Larmer wrote a fascinating chapter in last year’s groundbreaking book Minding the Brain, and sat down with Mind Matters to discuss the limits of “methodological naturalism.” For Larmer, this approach to getting knowledge is limited because it rules out non-physical causes, even if they exist. In addition, holding to naturalism at all costs can undermine our self-understanding as rational agents. How can we trust our brains? Does the physical activity in our brains correlate with non-physical mental states? Find out more by listening to Part One of the conversation here. Be Read More ›

close-up-view-of-silver-coin-in-hand-of-gambler-scratching-lottery-card-stockpack-adobe-stock
close up view of silver coin in hand of gambler scratching lottery card
Type
post
Author
Robert J. Marks
Date
March 18, 2024
Categorized
Probability
Tagged
, , ,

The Two-Sided Lottery Card Paradox and Infinity

Assuming the infinite often leads to ridiculous conclusions.
Robert J. Marks
March 18, 2024
6
Probability
Here’s the takeaway. Infinity does not exist in reality. There are not an infinite number of parallel universes. It's thought candy. Read More ›
ai-brain-chip-loop-artificial-intelligence-rationality-human-quantum-metrology-mind-circuit-board-neuronal-network-random-access-memory-smart-computer-processor-endorphins-stockpack-adobe-stock
AI Brain Chip loop. Artificial Intelligence rationality human quantum metrology mind circuit board. Neuronal network random access memory smart computer processor endorphins
Type
podcast
Author
Robert J. Marks
Date
March 14, 2024
Tagged
, , ,

Methodological Naturalism: Neutral Principle or Self-Refuting Philosophy?

Robert J. Marks
March 14, 2024
1

In this episode, hosts Robert J. Marks and Angus Menuge interview Dr. Robert Larmer about his chapter on methodological naturalism in the recently published volume Minding the Brain. Larmer explains that methodological naturalism is the assumption that when pursuing knowledge, one must always posit a physical cause and never appeal to a non-physical cause. Larmer argues that methodological naturalism is not Read More ›

isolated-childrens-toy-against-a-blue-texture-background-teddy-bear-from-childhood-an-old-pink-hippo-stockpack-adobe-stock
Isolated children's toy against a blue texture background, teddy bear from childhood, an old pink hippo
Type
post
Author
Robert J. Marks
Date
March 11, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , ,

Pink Dancing Hippos: Don’t Tell ChatGPT-4 Not to do Something

Can OpenAI fix this flaw in GPT4? Absolutely. Time will tell if they do or not.
Robert J. Marks
March 11, 2024
1
Artificial Intelligence
Moral: Don’t ask GPT-4 to NOT do something. Chances are the current version might let you down. Read More ›
robot-learning-or-solving-problems-stockpack-adobe-stock
robot learning or solving problems
Type
podcast
Author
Robert J. Marks
Date
February 29, 2024
Tagged
, , , , ,

Can AI Ever Be Sentient? A Conversation with Blake Lemoine

Robert J. Marks
February 29, 2024
2

AI can mimic sentience, but can it ever be sentient? On this episode, we return to our conversation with former Google engineer Blake Lemoine. Host Robert J. Marks has a lively back and forth with Lemoine, who made national headlines when, as an employee of Google, he claimed that Google’s AI software, dubbed LaMDA, might be sentient. Lemoine recounts his experience at Google and Read More ›

stock-market-diagram-on-lcd-screen-selective-focus-stockpack-adobe-stock
Stock market diagram on LCD screen. Selective focus.
Type
post
Author
Robert J. Marks
Date
February 28, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , , , , , , ,

AI and Wall Street’s Hype Curve

Almost all new tech has a hype curve. Here are the stages.
Robert J. Marks
February 28, 2024
4
Artificial Intelligence
Technologies that have surfed the hype curve include superconductivity, the Segway, cold fusion, information theory, Theranos, Piltdown man and string theory. Read More ›
the-universe-within-silhouette-of-a-man-inside-the-universe-the-concept-on-scientific-and-philosophical-topics-elements-of-this-image-furnished-by-nasa-stockpack-adobe-stock
The universe within. Silhouette of a man inside the universe. The concept on scientific and philosophical topics. Elements of this image furnished by NASA.
Type
post
Author
Eric Holloway
Date
February 12, 2024
Categorized
Information Theory, Philosophy of Mind
Tagged
, , , ,

Is Your Mind Bigger Than the Universe? Well, Look At It This Way…

Surprisingly, there is a way to measure the mind that shows it IS bigger than the universe — information
Eric Holloway
February 12, 2024
4
Information Theory, Philosophy of Mind

Imagine you’re sitting at home, relaxing in your favorite easy chair. Go on, kick your legs up. Feel your limbs releasing the stress of the day, starting from the extremities, and progressing up your core to your head. Now, let your mind expand. Let go of what is holding your mind down. Feel it become free, outside of everything around it. Let the feeling continue until your mind is bigger than the universe. Now consider the question: if your mind is bigger than the universe, can it be within the universe? If a ball is bigger than a bag, can it be contained by the bag? Of course not. If the mind is bigger than the universe, then it must Read More ›

decorative-wedding-ceremony-at-the-beach-with-beautiful-sunset-view-generative-ai-stockpack-adobe-stock
Decorative wedding ceremony at the beach with beautiful sunset view. Generative AI
Type
podcast
Author
Robert J. Marks, Douglas Axe and Brian Krouse
Date
February 8, 2024
Tagged
, , ,

Beyond the Physical: Embracing an Idealistic Worldview

Robert J. Marks, Douglas Axe and Brian Krouse
February 8, 2024
1

In this episode of the Mind Matters Podcast, Hosts Robert J. Marks and Brian Krouse conclude their discussion with Dr. Doug Axe about idealism. They explore the question of where the mind exists in an idealistic worldview and how it differs from physicalism and substance dualism. They also discuss the implications of idealism for various scientific fields, such as neuroscience Read More ›

waves-in-a-digital-grid-with-particles-atomic-model-stockpack-adobe-stock
Waves in a digital grid with particles - atomic model
Type
podcast
Author
Douglas Axe and Robert J. Marks
Date
February 1, 2024
Tagged
, ,

From Material to Mind: Understanding Idealism

Douglas Axe and Robert J. Marks
February 1, 2024
1

In this episode of the Mind Matters News podcast, host Robert J. Marks and co-host Brian Krouse continue their discussion of idealism with Dr. Doug Axe. In his chapter on the topic for the recent volume Minding the Brain, Axe presents four conundrums that support the move away from physicalism and dualism towards idealism. Axe discusses these conundrums with Marks and Krouse. The Read More ›

an-amazing-fibonacci-pattern-in-a-nautilus-shell-generative-ai-stockpack-adobe-stock
An amazing fibonacci pattern in a nautilus shell Generative AI
Type
post
Author
News
Date
January 22, 2024
Categorized
Mathematics
Tagged
, , , , , , , ,

Gregory Chaitin’s New Books About Math Make It Actual Fun

He is a favorite podcast guest of ours and, it turns out, a fan of Mind Matters
News
January 22, 2024
5
Mathematics
Chaitin is best known in the math world discovering the remarkable Omega number, which demonstrated the fundamental unknowability of math. Read More ›
earphones-and-mobile-phone-with-podcast-app-on-screen-stockpack-adobe-stock
Earphones and mobile phone with podcast app on screen
Type
post
Author
Peter Biles
Date
January 19, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , , , , , , ,

Napster, Spotify, and AI: How Will AI Escape Copyright Woes?

Robert J. Marks on AI and learning from past copyright cases.
Peter Biles
January 19, 2024
2
Artificial Intelligence

Copyright lawsuits are abounding against generative AI. Since the advent of ChatGPT in late 2022, various companies, artists, and writers have raised concerns over AI’s plagiaristic tendencies. Robert J. Marks, host of the Mind Matters podcast, has the story over at Newsmax. Marks recalls the debacle of Napster, a music streaming service that provided music for “free” without payment to the artists. Not surprisingly, it was soon shut down. So how will it fare with generative AI? What’s the solution to all the impending legal woes in the realm of AI? Marks writes, Today’s Spotify keeps automatic records of song frequency and, from subscriber’s payments, distributes royalties accordingly. Similar methods could be applied to compensate content creators by generative AI. It’s not Read More ›

creative-idea-with-brain-and-light-bulb-illustration-with-generative-ai-technology-stockpack-adobe-stock
Creative Idea with Brain and Light Bulb Illustration, with Generative AI Technology
Type
post
Author
News
Date
January 18, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence, Arts & Culture, Law, Media
Tagged
, , , , ,

Robert J. Marks on the Copyright Lawsuits Against the Chatbots

Essentially, the salad of material that the chatbot produces for users contains thousands of ingredients lifted without compensation from copyright holders
News
January 18, 2024
2
Artificial Intelligence, Arts & Culture, Law, Media
Writing at NewsMax, Marx assesses the lawsuits and concludes that there is no free lunch. If generative AI must pay creators, users will probably also pay too. Read More ›
group-of-wildlife-animals-in-the-jungle-together-stockpack-adobe-stock
group of wildlife animals in the jungle together
Type
podcast
Author
Robert J. Marks, Brian Krouse and Douglas Axe
Date
January 18, 2024
Tagged
, , ,

Unpacking Idealism: Animals and Consciousness

Robert J. Marks, Brian Krouse and Douglas Axe
January 18, 2024
1

In this episode, co-hosts Robert J. Marks and Brian R. Krouse continue to discuss the concept of idealism with guest Dr. Doug Axe. The topic this time is idealism and its implications for animals and quantum mechanics. Idealism suggests that reality consists of thinkers and their thoughts, with physical objects perhaps being the thoughts of God. When it comes to Read More ›

full-moon-setting-over-the-bridger-mountains-in-winter-near-bozeman-montana-stockpack-adobe-stock
full moon setting over the bridger mountains in winter near bozeman, montana
Type
post
Author
News
Date
January 16, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence, Transhumanism
Tagged
, , , ,

Robert J. Marks to speak at Big Sky Conference in Billings, Montana

He will focus on the way in which, while AI offers exciting possibilities, many claims for AI are provably overblown
News
January 16, 2024
4
Artificial Intelligence, Transhumanism
Marks points out in his work that many key acts of the mind, especially those involving creativity, are non-computable and AI doesn’t and can’t do them. Read More ›
robot-hands-point-to-laptop-button-advisor-chatbot-robotic-artificial-intelligence-concept-stockpack-adobe-stock
Robot hands point to laptop button advisor chatbot robotic artificial intelligence concept.
Type
post
Author
Robert J. Marks
Date
December 28, 2023
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , ,

ChatGPT: You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby  

Reviewing the bot's progress (and problems) from over the last year
Robert J. Marks
December 28, 2023
14
Artificial Intelligence
LLMs still have problems with getting their facts straight but, all things considered, their performance  is remarkable. Read More ›
an-artificial-intelligence-robot-writer-creating-generative-ai-writing-stockpack-adobe-stock
An artificial intelligence robot writer creating generative AI writing
Type
post
Author
News
Date
December 7, 2023
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence, Arts & Culture, Creativity
Tagged
, , , , , , , , , ,

Can AI Write Screenplays for Films You’d Want to See?

That issue was the heart of the Hollywood writers’ strike. How was it resolved? Or WAS it resolved?
News
December 7, 2023
5
Artificial Intelligence, Arts & Culture, Creativity
AI can replace screenwriters only if you are content to see the same-old same-old every day forever. That’s true no matter who owns the technology. Read More ›
solar-energy-and-nature-stockpack-adobe-stock
solar energy and nature
Type
podcast
Author
Robert J. Marks
Date
November 30, 2023
Tagged
, , ,

Hope & Energy: Empowering Haiti Through Appropriate Technology

Robert J. Marks
November 30, 2023
1

In the fall of 2022, the country of Haiti was facing a fuel and energy crisis, and in the intervening months, the situation has unfortunately not improved. In this episode of Mind Matters from the archive, host Robert J. Marks interviews Brian Thomas and Kayla Garrett from JustEnergy, a nonprofit organization that works in Haiti to provide solar energy systems Read More ›