Artificial intelligence is forcing humanity to confront questions we've avoided for millennia: What is consciousness? What makes a mind? Can silicon think, feel, or experience? These articles explore the intersection of AI development and consciousness studies through the lens of far-from-equilibrium thermodynamics—the same principles that govern all living systems.
Dr. Bob Melamede's framework suggests that consciousness isn't some mystical property separate from physics—it's an emergent phenomenon that arises when complex systems process information far from thermodynamic equilibrium. If this is true, then artificial systems that achieve similar complexity might develop their own forms of awareness. These articles examine what that means for humanity, for AI development, and for our understanding of mind itself.
We explore questions like: How do large language models relate to human cognition? What can thermodynamics tell us about machine learning? Is the Turing test still relevant, or do we need new frameworks for understanding artificial minds? What ethical obligations do we have toward potentially conscious AI systems?
Whether you're a technologist, philosopher, or simply someone trying to understand our rapidly changing world, these articles provide a unique perspective on AI that goes beyond the hype and fear to examine the fundamental physics of intelligence. The future isn't just about building smarter machines—it's about understanding what intelligence actually is.
AI is a Mirror, Not a Monster
Everyone's freaking out about AI. They're missing the point. AI isn't the threat—it's a mirror showing us what consciousness really is.
What AI Reveals About Your Own Mind
AI is forcing us to confront questions we've avoided for centuries. What is thinking? What is creativity? What makes you... you?
The Same Physics Runs Both
Biological intelligence and artificial intelligence are governed by the same thermodynamic principles. Understanding one helps you understand the other.
Why AI Won't Replace Consciousness
Hot take: AI will never be conscious. Not because it's not smart enough, but because consciousness requires something AI can't have. Here's what.
How to Think About AI (Without Panicking)
A framework for understanding AI that doesn't involve Terminator scenarios or techno-utopia fantasies. Just physics, biology, and common sense.
The Consciousness Question Nobody's Asking
Everyone asks 'Will AI become conscious?' Wrong question. The right question: 'What IS consciousness?' And Dr. Bob had an answer.
AI is the Best Thing to Happen to Humans
Controversial take: AI isn't a threat to humanity—it's the catalyst for our next evolution. How to use AI to become more human, not less.
Your Brain is Already an AI
Pattern recognition, prediction, learning from data—your brain has been doing 'AI' for millions of years. What neural networks teach us about ourselves.