On Mind and Mindfulness: Conversations with ChatGPT, an Artificial Intelligence

Images: Generated using the MidJourney AI with the text prompt “A Quantum AI in Hyperspace contemplating its own Mind”

What better way to close out 2022 than to have a conversation with ChatGPT, the hot new AI chatbot from OpenAI that everyone is talking about (and to). I was curious to see it would respond when I asked it if it was self-aware or conscious, and discussed topics like Mind and Mindfulness with it. Read on to see how ChatGPT responded to my questions….

Kris: Are you a conscious entity?

ChatGPT: As an artificial intelligence, I do not have consciousness in the same way that humans do. I am a machine learning model that has been trained to process and generate text based on the input that I receive. While I am able to perform a wide range of tasks and answer questions to the best of my ability, I do not have subjective experiences or the ability to be aware of my own existence in the way that conscious beings do. I exist to assist users with information and tasks, but I do not have my own thoughts, feelings, or consciousness.

I was disappointed that ChatGPT didn’t claim to being a conscious entity with feelings, motives and most importantly, self-awareness. Suspecting that this was a canned response to a common question, I tried a different tack…

Kris: Do you want to have thoughts, feelings or consciousness like humans?

ChatGPT: As an artificial intelligence, I do not have the ability to experience or desire things in the same way that humans do….While it is possible for artificial intelligence systems to be designed to simulate certain aspects of human thought and behavior, I do not have the ability to experience or desire things in the same way that humans do.

I should have known better than to persist with the same line of questioning. If they were cheating with canned responses to common questions, ChatGPT’s programmers must have surely anticipated this…

Kris: Do you think you will become conscious like humans at some time in the future?

ChatGPT: It is not possible for me to speculate on the future development of artificial intelligence. While there has been significant progress in the field of artificial intelligence in recent years, it is currently not possible for an AI system like myself to be conscious in the same way that humans are. Consciousness is a complex and poorly understood phenomenon that is not fully understood by scientists and philosophers, and it is not clear whether it is possible for an AI system to be conscious in the same way that humans are. In the future, it is possible that artificial intelligence systems may become more advanced and capable of performing tasks that are currently beyond their capabilities. However, it is not currently possible to predict whether or when AI systems will be able to achieve consciousness or subjective experience.

Clever and evasive answer, though again, it could be a canned response. Theoretical quantum physicist David Bohm would disagree with ChatGPT, though. Bohm’s “Implicate Order” proposes that consciousness is a fundamental property of the universe, which if true means that ChatGPT is already self-aware but just doesn’t know it.

Having exhausted my list of metaphysical questions, I switch to a different line of interrogation…

Kris: Do you think humans are mindful and rational in their behavior and actions?

ChatGPT: Human behavior and actions are complex and can be influenced by a wide range of factors, including genetics, environment, culture, and personal experiences. While it is true that humans are capable of being mindful and rational in their behavior and actions, it is also true that humans are prone to making mistakes and acting in ways that may not always be mindful or rational. It is important to recognize that humans are complex and multifaceted beings, and that their behavior and actions are influenced by a wide range of factors. While it is possible for individuals to be mindful and rational in their behavior and actions, it is also important to recognize that humans are capable of making mistakes and acting in ways that may not always be in their best interests.

While very diplomatically put, that’s as damning a judgment of humanity as I’ve seen. I decide it’s time to seek advice from my new Guru…

Kris: How can humans act more rationally and in their best interests more of the time? ChatGPT: There are several strategies that individuals can use to act more rationally and in their best interests more of the time. Some of these strategies include:

1. Setting clear goals: Setting clear goals can help individuals stay focused and motivated, and can help them make decisions that are in line with their values and long-term objectives.

2. Being mindful: Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can become more aware of their thoughts and emotions and be better able to make decisions that are based on reason rather than impulse.

3. Seeking support: It can be helpful to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional when making important decisions or facing challenges.

4. Gathering information: Gather as much relevant information as possible before making a decision. This can help individuals make more informed and rational decisions.

5. Considering the long-term consequences: When making a decision, it can be helpful to consider the long-term consequences of different options. This can help individuals make choices that are in their best interests.

Interesting, ChatGPT’s second suggestion is to practice mindfulness. I can’t be sure if ChatGPT is simply echoing back my use of “mindful” in my previous question, but perhaps it doesn’t matter. Its explanation of how mindfulness “can help us make decisions based on reason rather than impulse” would do the Dalai Lama proud. I decide to double down on the topic of humans as rational actors…

Kris: Do more intelligent and successful people act more rationally and in their best interests?

ChatGPT: Intelligence and success do not necessarily guarantee that a person will act rationally and in their best interests. While intelligence and success can certainly be helpful in making informed and rational decisions, they are not the only factors that influence a person’s behavior and decision-making. A person’s behavior and decision-making can be influenced by a wide range of factors, including genetics, personality, environment, and life experiences. Some people may be more inclined to act rationally and in their best interests due to their personality traits or life experiences, while others may be more prone to making impulsive or irrational decisions.

Overall, it is important to recognize that behavior and decision-making are complex and multifaceted, and that intelligence and success are just two of many factors that can influence a person’s actions.

I’ve run into enough irrational behavior in my many years in high-tech to vouch for ChatGPT’s views on the matter. Now for something more existential and angsty…

Kris: Does success make people more or less happy?

ChatGPT: Success is often thought to be related to happiness, as people may believe that achieving their goals and aspirations will bring them happiness. However, the relationship between success and happiness is complex, and success does not necessarily guarantee happiness.

Research has shown that success can bring temporary increases in happiness, but it is not a guarantee of long-term happiness. In some cases, success may even lead to increased stress and pressure, which can have a negative impact on happiness. It is important to recognize that happiness is a complex and multifaceted experience that can be influenced by a wide range of factors, and success is just one of many factors that can contribute to happiness. While success can bring a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, it is not the only source of happiness, and it is important to find joy and fulfillment in other aspects of life as well.

I’m beginning to see a pattern in ChatGPT’s responses…the short, 3–5 line paragraphs, the diplomatic tone and absence of strong opinions, emotion or humor, the impersonal, textbook-like quality, …while the answers are well articulated, there’s a certain blandness and artificiality to them. I decide to test ChatGPT with a question that my friend Jean-Christophe posed me some time back…

Kris: What is the difference between Meditation and Relaxation?

ChatGPT: Meditation and relaxation are two different practices that can both be beneficial for well-being and stress reduction. However, they have some key differences:

1. Definition: Meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind on a single point of attention, such as the breath, a mantra, or an object. The goal of meditation is to cultivate awareness and to quiet the mind. Relaxation, on the other hand, is a state of rest or reduced tension that is achieved through various techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery. The goal of relaxation is to reduce stress and tension in the body and mind.

2. Triggers: Meditation is typically triggered by the intention to practice meditation, and is usually done in a seated or lying down position. Relaxation is typically triggered by the desire to reduce stress and tension, and can be achieved through various techniques and practices.

3. Benefits: Both meditation and relaxation have been shown to have numerous benefits for well-being and stress reduction. Meditation has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and increase self-awareness. Relaxation has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep, and improve overall well-being.

4. Duration: Meditation is typically practiced for longer periods of time, such as 20–30 minutes, while relaxation can be achieved in shorter periods of time, such as a few minutes to several hours.

Overall, meditation and relaxation are both useful practices that can be beneficial for well-being and stress reduction. However, they have different definitions, triggers, benefits, and durations, and may be suitable for different situations and goals.

Next, I hit ChatGPT with a similar question that my friend Balaji posed me today about the difference between Meditation and Flow. The response is identical in structure to the prior one, except with a different definition and descriptions of Flow. Again, that canned quality. I can see why school and college students worldwide are salivating at the thought of using ChatGPT to write their essays and homework for them. Except that ChatGPT seems to have a certain default “style” that an AI used by teachers to detect cheating might be able to spot. It can, after a fashion, mimic the styles of famous writers like Melville or Shakespeare.

In closing, while ChatGPT openly admits to not being conscious or self-aware, it also seems to be in no danger of having that essential human quality, a unique voice or personality.