Many AI scientists unconsciously assume a metaphysical position. It’s usually materialism

The Metaphysical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence: A Critical Perspective

In the realm of artificial intelligence research, many practitioners unconsciously adopt a specific philosophical stance—most often, a materialist worldview. This perspective assumes that consciousness and cognition emerge solely from physical matter, particularly the brain’s biological substrate.

Recently, Ilya Sutskever, a prominent figure in AI development, articulated this line of reasoning in a talk, stating:

“The reason I believe that digital computers can eventually replicate our cognitive abilities is because our brains are biological computers. Given that the brain is a biological computer, why can’t digital computers perform the same functions?”

This argument, which is quite prevalent within AI circles, hinges on equating the brain with a computer—biological or otherwise—and inferring that digital systems, modeled after this biological hardware, should theoretically replicate human intelligence.

While compelling to many, this line of reasoning is fundamentally a metaphysical assumption rather than an empirically proven fact. It presumes that physical matter entirely accounts for mind and consciousness—a viewpoint known as materialism. According to this view, complex matter, over billions of years, gives rise to subjective experience and thought.

It’s crucial to recognize that such assumptions are not universally accepted as definitive science; they are philosophical positions that underpin many scientific narratives. Interestingly, the claim of holding no metaphysical assumptions often masks an unexamined or dogmatic stance—claiming objectivity while presupposing materialism.

Acknowledging our philosophical commitments can be a valuable step toward clearer thinking. Rather than hindering progress, critically examining these foundational beliefs may, in fact, enhance our understanding and guide us toward more nuanced perspectives on the nature of intelligence and consciousness in AI research.