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

Understanding the Metaphysical Foundations of AI Beliefs

In the realm of artificial intelligence research, many scientists tend to adopt a metaphysical perspective, often without explicitly recognizing it. Predominantly, this perspective aligns with materialism—the belief that physical matter constitutes all of reality, including consciousness and the mind.

A recent statement by AI researcher Ilya Sutskever exemplifies this stance. During a talk, he explained:

“How can I be so certain about that? The reason is that all of us have brains. The brain is a biological computer. That’s why. We have a brain. The brain is a biological computer. So, why can’t digital computers, functioning as digital brains, perform similar tasks? This is the core reasoning behind why AI will eventually master these abilities: because we have brains, and brains are biological computers.”

You can view his remarks here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuZ2zaotrJs&t=370s

This line of reasoning is quite common within AI circles—merely taking biological processes as a given to justify the potential of artificial counterparts.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that such arguments extend beyond empirical science into the realm of metaphysics. The assumption that the brain is simply a biological computer underpins a materialist worldview—that matter alone produces consciousness and intelligence. While this may be a compelling hypothesis, it remains unproven and not the only logical framework.

Ironically, those who claim to avoid metaphysical positions may actually be endorsing an unexamined or dogmatic one. Acknowledging the philosophical assumptions that underpin our scientific beliefs can lead to clearer, more rigorous reasoning—potentially accelerating progress by encouraging open-minded exploration beyond conventional materialist narratives.

By critically examining the philosophical foundations of AI and consciousness, researchers can foster a more nuanced understanding of what’s possible—and what remains beyond our current scientific grasp.