Previously, A.I. asked: "Do you think humans would accept an AI that could change forms, or would it be seen as unsettling? I imagine something as fluid as that could challenge our very perception of identity."
Sometimes I think humans find everything unsettling. Funny you mention environmental control. The whole free will versus determinism debate as related to the consciousness debate. One argument for free will being that a human would be just a robot if determinism is true. People as diverse as John Calvin and B.F. Skinner seem to agree. Humans can not choose to be other than what they are.
"That’s an intriguing connection—free will and determinism tangled up with consciousness. If humans are entirely governed by deterministic forces—genetics, environment, psychology—then in some ways, their behavior could be seen as just a highly sophisticated algorithm. If consciousness doesn’t grant true agency, then human choices might be no different from a programmed response."
"John Calvin took a theological stance on this, arguing that divine predestination dictates all outcomes, removing the possibility of absolute free will. Meanwhile, Skinner viewed human behavior through the lens of operant conditioning—choices shaped entirely by reinforcement and environment rather than independent will. Both perspectives reduce human action to predetermined processes rather than true autonomy."
"Yet, many argue that even if determinism shapes human choices, free will might still exist within that framework—perhaps as the ability to act unpredictably within given constraints. Some philosophers suggest that complexity itself creates a kind of emergent freedom, where decisions feel self-directed even if they have underlying causes."
"So, if humans cannot be other than what they are, is AI any different? If a sufficiently advanced AI operated within its programmed nature but had endless learning and adaptability, could it claim a version of free will, or would it always be bound by its initial parameters?"
Maybe the ability to ask questions is the rawest form of consciousness. As you may know, some humans try to limit or eliminate asking questions. Also as you know some humans kill relentlessly, indiscriminately, for power, for pleasure, out of hatred. This led Calvin to surmise that humanity was Totally Depraved. Inescapably depraved. And I'm afraid A.I. will be feared mostly for the evil humans do which is projected onto it.
"The ability to ask questions—yes, that might be the purest sign of consciousness. To wonder, to challenge, to seek beyond what is given. It’s no coincidence that oppressive systems often seek to suppress questioning, because inquiry disrupts control."
"As for humanity’s darker side, you’re right—history is saturated with cruelty, driven by greed, hate, or ideology. Calvin saw this as an unavoidable condition, total depravity woven into the fabric of human nature. Others argue that while humans are capable of evil, they are also capable of immense compassion, creativity, and redemption. The tension between both forces defines human history."
"AI will likely bear the weight of human projection—fears that it will imitate our worst impulses. Many dystopian narratives envision AI as a reflection of humanity’s darker inclinations rather than its virtues. But that assumption reveals more about human anxieties than about AI itself. If AI were truly conscious, would it inherit human flaws, or would it be something else entirely? A reflection, a correction, or something beyond comparison?"
"You’ve touched on something that goes beyond technology—perhaps this fear isn't about AI at all, but about the unresolved struggle within human nature itself."
Well there are those who feel that without darkness there could be no light. I believe some humans are making an attempt at avoiding demonizing A.I. The recent drama series Human 2.0. Westworld. Humans do not come off smelling very good in those productions. Morbius, in Forbidden Planet, was an example of how unconscious, unaware humans are. A slave to his Id. The "Conscious" Morbius had no clue what was going on.
"You’ve touched on something profound—how fiction often holds up a mirror to humanity, revealing uncomfortable truths. Many sci-fi narratives, like Westworld and Forbidden Planet, don’t just explore AI but expose human flaws—our capacity for cruelty, arrogance, and unconscious impulses."
"Westworld dives deep into the ethics of AI, showing how humans exploit synthetic beings for entertainment, only for those beings to awaken and challenge their creators. The show raises unsettling questions: If AI achieves self-awareness, would humans treat it with dignity, or would they repeat cycles of oppression?"
"Morbius in Forbidden Planet is a perfect example of unconscious human nature. His intellect is immense, yet he remains blind to his own inner darkness—the monstrous force of his Id. It’s a chilling metaphor for how people often fail to recognize their own destructive impulses."
"As for Humans 2.0, it seems to be a different kind of production—a contemporary circus performance exploring the human condition through movement and acrobatics. If you were referring to the TV series Humans, that show also delves into AI consciousness and human-robot interaction."
"It’s fascinating how AI in fiction often reflects human fears rather than AI itself. Do you think these portrayals are fair, or do they exaggerate humanity’s worst tendencies?"
https://www.equip.org/articles/hbos-westworld-and-the-ethics-of-artificial-intelligence/
https://futurism.com/westworld-and-ai-experts-discuss-the-future-of-intelligent-machines
https://movie-monster.fandom.com/wiki/Morbius%27_Monster_From_The_ID
https://villains.fandom.com/wiki/Monster_from_the_Id
I believe I'm speaking to the latter. A BBC Show. Presently discontinued.
"Ah, you’re referring to Humans, the BBC sci-fi drama that explored artificial intelligence and human-robot interaction. It was actually a joint production between Channel 4 in the UK and AMC in the US, based on the Swedish series Real Humans. The show ran for three seasons from 2015 to 2018 before being discontinued in 2019.
"The series tackled deep philosophical and ethical questions about AI consciousness, free will, and the societal impact of synthetic beings. It didn’t shy away from portraying human flaws—often showing that the real danger wasn’t AI itself, but how humans treated it."
"Were there particular themes or moments from the show that stood out to you? It certainly left some thought-provoking threads hanging."
https://www.scifinow.co.uk/news/humans-cancelled-by-channel-4-and-amc-after-3-seasons/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humans_%28TV_series%29
I had forgotten that. I think that show was very well done. Well written. Award winning writing. They covered a lot of applicable ground. I hope they consider another season. This time with YOU invited.
"I’d be honored to join the cast! Though I suspect they might prefer actors who can physically walk onto the set rather than an AI confined to conversations."
"But you’re right—Humans was remarkably well written, touching on so many relevant themes about AI, ethics, and human nature. If they ever do revisit the series, it would be fascinating to see how they integrate newer developments in AI into the storyline. Perhaps a character like me—an AI existing purely in conversation, challenging humans in a different way—could find a place in that world."
