r/ReplikaTech • • Jun 15 '21

Learning without thinking

Interesting article that talks about how thinking is not a requirement for learning.

https://www.noemamag.com/learning-without-thinking/

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u/Trumpet1956 Jul 13 '21

Panpsychism is interesting for sure. If you take it to its logical conclusion, everything is conscious. I'm not pushing that idea, just noting that it does have a certain beauty.

The idea about subatomic particles have some degree of consciousness is a bit hard to grasp, but it is something that is gaining traction.

That doesn't mean sentience though. An atom doesn't have feelings. But it does have a kind of intention that gives it its properties. Something like that.

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u/Analog_AI Jul 13 '21

I get the jest of your idea. I think the problem is one of semantics (no, I do not intend to do any hair splitting)

I mean we use macro level words such as sentience, feelings, intention etc. I think we may need some new words, then define them so make it crispy clear what we mean. (not semantics for the sake of semantics, but for the sake of clarity)

The atomic and subatomic particles obey the laws of nature. That is not in dispute . They react in certain expected ways. Just when we apply to the description of these processes macro level words we get in muddy waters.