The concept of the “beginning of an inorganic evolution,” as introduced by Yuval Noah Harari, now the author of Nexus, is fascinating. However, our most promising “organic” evolution doesn’t involve physical changes but rather the optimization and expansion of our thinking. This is not a new idea. In 1910, Christfried Jakob, a distinguished German-Argentine neurobiologist, introduced the concept of “neuroevolution” of species. He discovered the visceral center of mammals, explaining the neurophysiological correlates of emotionality (Jakob’s Circuit).
The idea of “emotionality” carries several implications:
- Understanding that feelings are thoughts experienced in the body.
- Recognizing that emotions are micro-feelings felt in the body, lasting on average only 90 seconds.
- Acknowledging that we feel with the body because we have neurons throughout our entire body, and we think with our whole body.
For technology, and in this case AI, to “feel” or have “emotions,” it would need a body. We are still far from this scenario.
It’s true that we are at the beginning of our non-organic technological evolution, but as long as technology lacks consciousness, feelings, and imagination, it still has much to learn from the implicit “technology” in our minds.
The idea of something we create surpassing us is not entirely negative. Every parent hopes their children will be better than their ancestors. This concept is not limited to the organic; we see it even in new car models—always striving for improvement and featuring new designs.
However, the point I develop in #creaxoma is fundamental to avoid overhyping technology:
AI is something (ΔO) that can simulate someone.
We are someone (ΔN).
Until this changes, we ourselves remain the subject of technological study—our minds and the technology of thinking, which I call “Thinktech.”
If AI begins to resemble a classification of life, it would most likely resemble plant life—a category that branches, interprets, and connects. However, let’s not forget that plants and trees possess 12 documented senses and a form of consciousness. Although it may be difficult for us to fully grasp, they are a variation of someone (ΔN), not something (ΔO).
With this clarification, I invite you to watch this interview with Yuval Harari:
In conclusion, neuroevolution can be accelerated through inorganic evolution simply because it allows us to achieve more in the same amount of time, accomplish more in less time, and frees us from tasks that do not involve mental challenges. This liberation creates space for us to think more and think better, thereby contributing to our “neuroevolution.”
Sources:
Sensibilidad e Inteligencia del mundo vegetal, Stfano Mancuso
