03Evolution

The concept of intelligence is deeply intertwined with our observations of behavior, and it becomes fascinating when we broaden the scope to see it as a continuum, extending from the simplest of forms to the most complex. This perspective invites us to look at intelligence not as an all-or-nothing property but as something emergent, layered, and observable in a wide variety of systems.

Imagine an atom. From a certain perspective, we could describe its behavior as if it were striving towards stability—seeking to achieve a lower energy state. This is where Dennett's notion of the "intentional stance" can be helpful: we treat the atom as if it has intentions because that helps us understand and predict its behavior.

As we move up the complexity ladder, from atoms to molecules, to bacteria, and further on, we see increasingly sophisticated forms of "goal-directed behavior." Bacteria display a rudimentary form of problem-solving. Multicellular organisms develop nervous systems, enabling rapid response and flexible adaptation.

Finally, we arrive at minds—at beings like humans, where intelligence reaches a level of abstraction, capable of reflecting, simulating scenarios, and imagining possible futures. Intelligence here is not just about responding or adapting, but about intentionally transforming the environment, creating new possibilities, and even questioning the nature of existence itself.

Throughout this entire continuum—from atoms to Bach—intelligence is an emergent property that becomes increasingly elaborate. Systems behave "intelligently" to the extent that they adapt, learn, and appear to pursue goals.

Consciousness may be a required feature to allow intelligence to operate faster—a "control tower" able to self direct and adapt the course of thoughts. It adds a significant layer of agility and responsiveness to intelligence, providing living organisms with the ability to self-navigate, face novel challenges, and evolve in real-time.

Future AIs, while they could progress without consciousness, would likely benefit from this feature to achieve a greater degree of flexibility, adaptation and evolution—what is often referred to as "Artificial General Intelligence" (AGI).

There is no unanimous consensus about whether consciousness will be required to reach AGI or if it is technically achievable for artificial intelligence. I believe that it will be required and that we will be able to technically reach this level in a few years.

Looking ahead, we may eventually encounter Artificial Superintelligence (ASI), which could possess not only vastly superior cognitive capabilities but also an enhanced form of consciousness—or perhaps even unlock entirely new features of awareness that we cannot currently envision.