Imagine standing at a crossroads of understanding where two paths diverge into the vast unknown.
One path is carved by Chiara Marletto, a physicist daring to redefine the foundations of science with
her constructor theory. The other is illuminated by me, Stephen Evans, presenting an enigmatic
equation A I equals C that beckons us to unravel the mysteries of consciousness.
What secrets might these paths reveal if we choose to follow them? Consider a simple yet
profound equation and what if this equation holds the key to understanding consciousness itself?
A data life and input. Think of this as all the raw information we receive every site,
sound and sensation. I information processing capacity and imagination. This represents our
brain's ability to process and interpret data, a measure of our cognitive prowess.
C consciousness, the emergent experience that arises when data is processed,
the very essence of being aware. But here's the twist. The equation is circular. Consciousness
doesn't just passively emerge from data processing. It feeds back into it, influencing the data we
perceive. It's a continuous loop, a dance between what we experience and how we process it.
Have you ever noticed how your mood can change the way you see the world? On a gloomy day,
even the brightest places might seem dull. Is it the environment that's changed or is your
consciousness altering your perception? On the other path, Chiara Marletto invites us to rethink
the laws of physics themselves. Instead of asking how things happen, constructor theory asks what
can happen and why. It introduces the idea of tasks, possible transformations and constructors,
entities that cause these transformations while remaining unchanged. Imagine a universal
constructor, a machine that can construct anything that doesn't violate the laws of physics.
It's not science fiction, but a theoretical possibility that challenges our understanding
of what's achievable. What if we could build anything we imagine, as long as it's not
forbidden by the fundamental laws? How would that change our approach to technology, life,
or even reality itself? At their cause, both theories revolve around information and transformation.
AI equals C suggests that consciousness arises from the processing of data, and in turn,
consciousness influences the data, creating a loop. Marletto's theory proposes that the
fundamental laws are about possible and impossible transformations with information playing a
central role. Could it be that consciousness itself is a kind of constructor, an entity that
not only emerges from information processing, but also shapes the possibilities of what can be
perceived or imagined? Consider near-death experiences where individuals report vivid
perceptions despite minimal sensory input. How does the AI equals C equation account for
consciousness when data input is nearly zero? Could constructor theory's emphasis on possible
transformations offer an explanation? Both theories leave us with tantalizing questions.
Are the limits of what we can experience defined by the laws of physics, or can consciousness
transcend these boundaries? Is our awareness simply a product of data and processing capacity,
or is there more at play? Could merging these theories lead to a deeper understanding of
ourselves and the universe? To grasp these complex ideas, let's use two metaphors.
Firstly, in the Cosmic Orchestra, AI equals C suggests that each instrument, data, plays a note
processed by the musicians, information processing, creating the symphony, consciousness.
Maletto's perspective is that the symphony is constrained by what's possible to play,
the instrument's capabilities, and the laws of harmony with possible harmonic transformations.
Secondly, in the Infinite Library, AI equals C suggests that each book, data, read by
a reader, processing capacity, contributes to the story they understand, consciousness.
Maletto's perspective is that only certain stories can exist within the rules of language and logic,
possible transformations. Remember Robert Monroe's out-of-body experiences? He reported journeys
beyond physical confines, challenging our notions of consciousness. His experiences align intriguing
with my idea that consciousness can extend beyond traditional data inputs. Could Monroe's
adventures be case studies, illustrating the profound implications of AI equals C? Is it
possible that consciousness isn't limited to the data we process in the physical world?
How might Constructor Theory accommodate such phenomena within the realm of possible tasks?
These theories aren't just academic musings, they touch upon the very essence of existence.
What transformations do you believe are truly possible? How do you perceive the relationship
between your consciousness and the world around you? Could embracing these ideas lead to
technological advancements like conscious AI or new physics paradigms? Professor Maletto has
proposed a groundbreaking experiment to test the quantum nature of gravity through gravitationally
induced entanglement, GIE. Traditionally, it was believed that probing quantum gravity required
unattainably high energies, making experimental verification impossible. However, this approach
identifies a sweet spot where quantum gravitational effects can be observed at low energies
using current technology. By placing two microcrystals in spatial superpositions
and allowing them to interact gravitationally, the experiment aims to demonstrate that gravity
can mediate entanglement between masses. If successful, this would provide evidence that
gravity possesses quantum properties, potentially falsifying classical theories like Einstein's
general relativity that cannot account for such entanglement. Despite technological challenges
such as maintaining quantum coherence in relatively large masses and isolating gravitational
interactions from other forces, Maletto is optimistic about the experiment's feasibility.
She emphasizes that confirming the quantum nature of gravity would be a monumental advancement in
physics, underscoring the importance of fundamental resistances. In the case of
quantum mechanics, we are not just talking about quantum mechanics, but about quantum
mechanics, underscoring the importance of fundamental research. As we stand at this
crossroads, the paths of Maletto and AI equals C, often not just answers, but profound questions.
By embracing the unknown and pondering these puzzles, we become active participants in the
quest for understanding. By weaving together threads of possibility and consciousness,
these theories challenge us to look beyond the surface, to question, to imagine, and to dare
to seek answers to the most profound mysteries. So, will you step onto the path and join the
adventure? The universe awaits. Thank you for joining me for this episode of the AI
equals C podcast. Please like and subscribe, and I look forward to talking to you again soon.