The idea of mind uploading onto a computer (being able to transfer someone from their real body to an artificial hardware) will always be appealing. But that is more of a transhumanist issue. The main goal of transhumanists is to achieve a state of being that is superior to that of humans through the advancement of science and technology. They suspect that mind uploading might make it possible for us to live for as long as we choose. Is that a way of saying forever? But what does forever mean anyway?
Discover more below.
If one were to attempt to recreate the human brain, it would be a very difficult task. The structures that make up our brains are among the most complicated in the entire known cosmos. But the connectome of a fruit fly larva, containing around 3,000 neurons and up to 500,000 neuronal connections, is the most extensive and complete connectome that we have observed to this point. Totally insane!
The question here is whether or not a simulation of our brain might produce a conscious consciousness similar to the original one. The answer is based on the physical link that exists between our thoughts and our bodies. Still, we have a starting point. Continue reading.
Evidence supporting the structural viewpoint of the mind is provided by today’s artificial intelligence systems, which are helpful but have yet to be definitive. These systems are powered by artificial neural networks, which are mimicking some of the structural principles that are found in the brain. And they are competent to carry out a wide variety of jobs that involve a significant amount of mental effort on our part. Still, the fact that mind uploading is even possible is predicated on three fundamental assumptions, including the following:
- To begin, there is the technological assumption, which is the notion that we will be ready to create technology that allows for the uploading of the mind within the next few decades. Pretty impressive, isn’t it?!
- Secondly, there is the assumption of an artificial mind, which is the concept that a synthetic brain could end up in the formation of a genuine mind.
- And last, there is the survival assumption, which is the notion that the individual that is generated during the process is indeed “you.” When this occurs, mind uploading will become a means by which you can continue to exist.
To what extent, however, is each of them plausible? We don’t know for now.
However, imagine for a moment that in the next decades, the technology that allows us to scan the brain will have advanced to the point where we will be able to witness how every neuron communicates with other neurons. While it is difficult to paint the full image, we can obtain the general notion. On the other hand, what about the following scenario: capturing all of that information in order to develop a computer simulation of someone’s neurological system? It’s just about science fiction stuff, right?! But not forever.
It is unfortunate that the artificial mind hypothesis and the survival claim cannot be objectively evaluated in a way that is definitive; in order to find out, we would literally have to upload ourselves. Therefore, uploading will always require a significant amount of confidence on your part. Let’s stay tuned to find out what’s next!
Earl Berg is a seasoned technology writer at Digital Overload, bringing over 10 years of experience in the tech industry to his role. Earl’s passion for technology and his knack for translating complex tech concepts into understandable language make his articles a favorite among readers. His coverage spans a wide range of tech topics, from gadget reviews and software updates to innovative breakthroughs in the tech industry. Earl is dedicated to providing his readers with honest, unique, and insightful content, always with an objective and open-minded approach. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, Earl enjoys hiking and photography.
