A Sidekick with a Gambling Problem

Item sets: The Sphex Club Papers; Jones Memorial Library Manuscripts Collection

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Identifier: JML.SphexClub_Gillette_20260319
Title: A Sidekick with a Gambling Problem
Description: Text of a lecture delivered to the Sphex Club on March 19, 2026. Michael A. Gillette explores whether artificial intelligence can truly think or even become conscious. After explaining how AI systems use deep learning and probabilistic pattern recognition, he argues that current AI lacks intention, creativity, and self-awareness despite its impressive conversational abilities. Drawing on Alan Turing, John Searle, and theories of consciousness, Gillette examines whether consciousness depends on information integration, self-reflection, learning, and subjective perception. He proposes “graduated pluri-psychism,” the idea that consciousness exists on a continuum across living organisms and perhaps advanced machines. Examples from plant learning experiments and AI behavior support his argument that rudimentary consciousness may emerge from complex information processing. He concludes by discussing AI-generated creativity and experiments in which AI models developed irrational gambling behaviors, suggesting that subjective biases and internal perspectives may indicate the earliest forms of machine consciousness and moral standing.
Date: 19 March 2026
Creator: Gillette, Michael A.
Subject: Artificial Intelligence -- consciousness
topic: artificial intelligence, consciousness, Alan Turing, John Searle, Turing Test, deep learning, artificial neural networks, large language models, machine consciousness, Integrated Information Theory, Global Neuronal Workspace Theory, Higher Order Theories, predictive processing, panpsychism, graduated pluri-psychism, AI ethics, gambling addiction, machine learning, self-awareness, philosophy of mind
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Digital Format: pdf
Language: English
Publisher: Sphex Club (Lynchburg, Va.)
Repository: George M. Jones Library Association
Rights: Gillette, Michael A.; George M. Jones Library Association
Rights Holder: George M. Jones Library Association