Can Robots achieve Consciousness?


The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Debate

By Alan Metcalfe

(AUSTRALIA – ANS) — The ultimate question in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) debate is: can machines (robots) ever achieve consciousness? The simple, easy-to-understand answer is no! Because, if they did, they would no longer be robots but humans.

Like animals, robots can be programmed (taught) to do things in a way that they appear to think as humans think. However, when they do, they are not conscious of the fact that they are thinking. If they were, like humans, they would strive, of their own volition, to achieve eternal life, to live forever, but they do not. And we know this because there is no evidence of animals developing the mental capabilities of mathematics and science to aid the understanding of their lives, for the purpose of prolonging their lives.

Can Robots achieve ConsciousnessYes, animals have a certain survival instinct that is programmed into them; that they acquire (learn) through their experience of life. Robots can also be programmed to learn from experience, and to keep rebuilding their physical selves, but this does not mean that animals, or robots, are capable of learning, as humans are, through pure thought; without any physical experience; and saving their spiritual lives.

It is true that humans also learn from experience, the same way that animals do; and robots can. However, in every human life, there is a time of awakening; an epiphany; out-of-body, spiritual experience when we realize that we can think; and through thought, we can consciously change, and even save our lives. This is what the Biblical concept of being born again is all about. When this happens, we have taken the first step of our spiritual life, which is not a physical or mechanical experience, but an out-of-body experience inspired by our hopes and ambitions. Animals do not have such an experience of life; and such a spiritual experience cannot be programmed into a physical, mechanical robot.

Some may think that after millions of years of programmed learning that a robot could have such a spiritual awakening. However, the Law of action and reaction (the Binary Code) that rules computerized (robotic) learning makes no allowance for epiphanies. This is a Law of precision that has no tolerance for any departure from its purpose; which is to ensure that every action has an equal reaction; and that every cause has a consequence. Any departure from the programmed purpose of a robot, means its destruction (death).

If the Law of action and reaction had such tolerance, then robots (and computers) would not work in the first place. Robots, like the computers that enable them, after all, are only tools of the human mind that have a specific purpose that is programmed into them by humans, from which they cannot depart. They are not human to start with; and therefore have no spiritual (mental) capacity to think on their own, within the realm of physical capability. To believe therefore that they can have an out-of-body, spiritual experience like being conscious of the possibility of eternal life, is akin to believing that a shovel can think; and if it wants, one day could evolve, and become a computer.

People think that robots can become conscious because they do not appreciate the incredible spiritual power, and unique blessing of the human mind. The Darwinian idea that human life has mechanically evolved from ignorance now rules this world and is behind this mistaken way of thinking. Yes, it is difficult to understand; and therefore difficult to believe, but the reality is that we humans have a spiritual aspect of our lives that cannot be programmed into any robot, or taught to any animal.

Do you feel like a robot at times, simply going through the motions, detached, unexcited about anything in life? If you feel this way maybe it’s time for an epiphany. Did you know that God loved you so much he was willing to die for you? If you’ve never received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, now is the time. Believe that He shed His blood on the cross to forgive your sins, and that He conquered death by rising from the grave. Ask Him to save you. Then you too can be among those who understand what it means to be loved unconditionally.

 

The Bible says that God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die for our sins, that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) It also says that if you confess with your mouth, that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

Don’t wait another minute, ask Him right now to show you His perfect will for your life.

     Jesus, please forgive me for my sin. I know that you died for me and that you have a plan for my life. Please teach me your ways and help me to live my life for you. I’d like to know of your unconditional love. Amen

Congratulations, if you have prayed this prayer, from your heart the Bible says, “Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Cr 5:17)

If you’ve prayed this prayer for the first time or are renewing your commitment to the Lord, please let us know so that we can pray for you as you start a new life with Jesus.

 




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