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Applications for conscious systems

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Abstract

Many recent developments in technological design are aimed towards the ‘humanisation’ of technology, that is, making technology behave in a way that is more ‘intuitive’, ‘friendly’ or ‘usable’. This assumes, however, that technology is not in itself human but rather some external antagonistic force or object. Contrary to this, I will defend the suggestion that technology is part of what constitutes humanity as a whole, to the extent of embodying some degree of cognition and consciousness. Looking briefly at some proposed mechanical models of self-consciousness, I consider the question: What functions might self-conscious systems perform?

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Acknowledgments

Some ideas in this paper were first presented at the 1st International Design and Engagability Conference, University of Central England, July 2004. I am grateful to Stephen Thompson for drawing my attention to the ICSID definition of design.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Art and Design, University of Wales Institute Cardiff, Cardiff, UK

    Robert Pepperell

  2. School of Art & Performance, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK

    Robert Pepperell

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  1. Robert Pepperell
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Correspondence to Robert Pepperell.

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Pepperell, R. Applications for conscious systems. AI & Soc 22, 45–52 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-006-0074-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-006-0074-1

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