Raw LLM Responses

RedNNet Yes, you're right, I forgot about machine learning / neural networks, but I suppose I meant in a strong/general AI context, so one in which it will be able to demonstrate knowledge in a relevant and self-guided way, beyond its original programming-- beyond the simple metrics or goals of such; in fact, maybe the condition of being able to change goals is the best means of evaluating such. Another aspect to consider is culture in non-human animal cognition-- it may be the best criterion for identifying conscious entities as it requires true learning and development, beyond instinctual/genetic programming. This often involves a certain awareness of empiricism or the basic principles of the scientific method (like in boolean logic-- if x, then y). I think a lot of animals have this, and of course it's necessary to thrive in a complex, dynamic environment. Similar perhaps, in a limited sense, to self-driving cars. I don't know, don't you think that human consciousness could be well-summarized by the act of performing a kind of "internal state check"? Perhaps in concert with the above properties, such produces consciousness. For sure thoughts can exhibit purpose without genuine intent. I think that's *far* more important anyway-- purpose suggests relevance (and understanding and goal-directed behaviour), so we can dispose of wilful intent altogether. Yes, imagination may be important to a certain extent-- in the sense of being aware of the abstract (even if it's a real-world, practical thing), i.e., something that is not currently present in one's environment. So that one may tie one causal thing to another, in a general, theoretical understanding. A kind of mental conservation and accounting of things in the world. Clearly key for high-level learning. I don't know how many non-human animals can perform such. We truly, absolutely do not have free will. It's a fact. No one can even *hypothesize* how we could have it. There is either determinism or randomness, or magic lol. Free will belongs to the latter category. You are merely the summation of your genes + environment; there is no third ingredient. The only way you could have free will is if you existed outside of the influence of the physical universe... or some such nonsense :P