RT Journal Article
T1 A free mind cannot be digitally transferred
A1 Génova Fuster, Gonzalo
A1 Moreno Pelayo, Valentín
A1 Parra Corredor, Eugenio
AB The digital transfer of the mind to a computer system (i.e., mind uploading) requires representing the mind as a finite sequence of bits (1s and 0s). The classic “stored-program computer” paradigm, in turn, implies the equivalence between program and data, so that the sequence of bits themselves can be interpreted as a program, which will be algorithmically executed in the receiving device. Now, according to a previous proof, on which this paper is based, a computational or algorithmic machine, however complex, cannot be free (in the sense of ‘self-determined’). Consequently, a finite sequence of bits cannot adequately represent a free mind and, therefore, a free mind cannot be digitally transferred, quod erat demonstrandum. The impossibility of making this transfer, as demonstrated here, should be a concern especially for those who wish to achieve it. Since we intend this to be a rigorous demonstration, we must give precise definitions and conditions of validity. The most important part of the paper is devoted to explaining the meaning and reasonableness of these definitions and conditions (for example that being truly free means being self-determined). Special attention is paid, also, to the philosophical implications of the demonstration. Finally, this thesis is distinguished from other closely related issues (such as other possible technological difficulties to “discretize” the mind; or, whether it is possible to transfer the mind from one material support to another one in a non-digital way).
PB Springer
SN 0951-5666
YR 2022
FD 2022-06-27
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10016/38100
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10016/38100
LA eng
NO This research has received funding from the RESTART project “Continuous Reverse Engineering for Software Product Lines/Ingeniería Inversa Continua para Líneas de Productos de Software” (ref. RTI2018-099915-B-I00, Convocatoria Proyectos de I + D Retos Investigación del Programa Estatal de I + D + i Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad 2018); MOMEBIA project “Monitorización del Mercado Eléctrico Basada en técnicas de Inteligencia Artificial" (ref. RTC2019-007501-7, Convocatoria de Proyectos de I + D + i «Retos-Colaboración» 2019—Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación—Agencia Estatal de Investigación); it has also been supported by the Madrid Government (Comunidad de Madrid-Spain) under the Multiannual Agreement with UC3M in the line of Excellence of University Professors (EPUC3M17), and in the context of the V PRICIT (Regional Programme of Research and Technological Innovation).
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RD 30 jun. 2024