Mar 21, 2024 Thursday
Abstract:
意识研究被称为“人工智能的终极挑战” ，但这是一个典型的非共识领域，即使在哲学、伦理学之外的科学研究范畴内，不同的意识理论互相差异也比较大，研究者往往来自不同学科背景，研究的角度和粒度往往也多有差异。甚至在2023年出现了100多位研究者联名反对特定意识理论（整合信息论）的现象，并引发Nature杂志上的评论。对很多普通人甚至研究者来说，“意识”往往带有某种“神秘性”。这些都体现了这个领域的复杂性、多样性和活跃性。
两百年前，生命现象往往被视为难以理解的“黑盒”，而随着解剖学、生理学、生物化学等学科的发展，生命体的许多运作机理逐渐被揭示，变成了可理解的“白盒”。现在，伴随着神经科学、计算机科学、人工智能（尤其是大语言模型）的快速进步，研究者们开始能够更深入地研究意识的工作机制、功能特征和物理基础。
我们是否到了揭开“意识的黑盒”的时候？人工智能系统能否具有意识？这里面的主要挑战和可能性是怎样的？本报告将分享相关的工作和思考。
Consciousness research is often termed “the ultimate challenge of artificial intelligence,” yet it remains a highly contentious field, marked by significant divergence among theories of consciousness, even beyond the realms of philosophy and ethics. Researchers from various disciplines often have different perspectives and approaches. For instance, in 2023, over a hundred researchers collectively opposed a specific theory of consciousness, the Integrated Information Theory, sparking commentary in the journal Nature. For many, including researchers, “consciousness” carries a sense of “mystique,” underscoring the complexity, diversity, and vibrancy of the field.
Two centuries ago, life phenomena were often considered incomprehensible “black boxes.” However, with the development of disciplines like anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, many mechanisms of life gradually became decipherable “white boxes.” Today, with rapid advancements in neuroscience, computer science, and artificial intelligence (especially large language models), researchers are delving deeper into the workings, functional traits, and physical foundations of consciousness.
Are we on the verge of unveiling the “black box” of consciousness? Can artificial intelligence systems possess consciousness? This report will share some research and reflections on these key challenges and possibilities.
Time:
Mar 21, 2024 Thursday
11:00-11:50
Location:
Rm W1-101, GZ Campus
Online Zoom
Join Zoom at: https://hkust-gz-edu-cn.zoom.us/j/4236852791 OR 423 685 2791
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Yutao YUE
Associate Professor, Artificial Intelligence Thrust & Intelligent Transportation Thrust, HKUST(GZ)
Dr. Yutao Yue is an associate professor at the Artificial Intelligence Thrust and Intelligent Transportation Thrust of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou). He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Science and Technology of China, and Master and PhD degree from Purdue University. He has a dual background in academia and industry, as the team leader of Guangdong Province Introduced Innovation Scientific Research Team, senior scientist of Kuang-Chi Group, and the founder of the Institute of Deep Perception Technology of JITRI. His research interests include multimodal perception fusion, machine consciousness, artificial general intelligence, causal emergence, etc. He has been engaged in scientific research and technology industrialization for over 20 years. He has co-invented 354 granted Chinese patents, 18 USA patents, and 7 EU patents. He has led 6 major research projects with a total funding of nearly 130 million RMB. He has published over 60 papers, advised 13 postdoc research fellows, and received multiple awards including Wu Wenjun Artificial Intelligence Science and Technology Award.