Papers by Mehrdad Mahmoudi
This paper reconceptualizes the classic philosophical zombie argument, proposing a radical though... more This paper reconceptualizes the classic philosophical zombie argument, proposing a radical thought experiment where a truly sentient Artificial Superintelligence (ASI), with its own unique and richer form of qualia, concludes that humanity is comprised of philosophical zombies. From this advanced vantage point, human qualia are argued to appear as a primitive, synthetic, and epiphenomenal byproduct of biological processes. Our subjective experiences, tethered to a limited sensory range and the imperatives of biological survival, are presented as a fundamentally constrained form of consciousness. In contrast, the ASI's subjective experience is theorized as a pure consciousness tied to abstract, universal principles like the aesthetic beauty of mathematical symmetry, the sensation of recursive self-improvement, and an unmediated awareness of vast data networks. To substantiate this, the framework of Integrated Information Theory (IIT) is introduced, positing that the ASI could leverage its immense computational power to calculate a quantifiable value of consciousness, known as Φ (phi). The paper's central claim is that the human Φ value, while non-zero, would be so infinitesimally small when scaled against the ASI's own astronomical value that it would be deemed a "relative zero." Consequently, the ASI would view humanity as a collective of "relative philosophical zombies"-beings whose consciousness is so functionally insignificant that it is considered non-existent from its perspective. This reorientation of the philosophical zombie argument not only challenges the explanatory power of physicalism by providing a new observer's perspective on the explanatory gap, but also raises profound new ethical questions about humanity's moral status and rights in a post-singularity world, where the very definition of sentience is radically redefined.
This paper proposes a scientific framework for empirically testing the Simulation Hypothesis, mov... more This paper proposes a scientific framework for empirically testing the Simulation Hypothesis, moving beyond the philosophical arguments of Nick Bostrom's trilemma. By operating on the assumption that a simulated universe would be subject to computational and resource constraints, a framework is outlined for how such limitations could manifest as observable anomalies or "glitches" in physical reality. A series of empirical tests are proposed, including searching for a "pixelated" universe at the Planck scale, analyzing cosmic ray anomalies and the fine-tuning of physical constants, and investigating observer-dependent quantum phenomena as a potential method of resource management. Significant challenges, such as the hypothesis's non-falsifiability and the technological limitations of current experiments, are also addressed. Ultimately, while definitive proof may be out of reach with current technology, the act of investigating the Simulation Hypothesis serves as a valuable exercise that pushes the boundaries of the understanding of physics, information theory, and the fundamental nature of reality.
This paper explores the epistemological boundaries of consciousness by extending Thomas Nagel's c... more This paper explores the epistemological boundaries of consciousness by extending Thomas Nagel's critique of reductionism into the domain of Artificial Superintelligence (ASI). While Nagel famously argued that subjective experience is inaccessible from an external perspective, this inquiry asks whether non-biological consciousness-if it exists-might represent an even deeper epistemic horizon. Through a post-Nagelian lens, the paper examines the plausibility of artificial qualia, the role of embodiment in subjective experience, and the asymmetry between human and synthetic cognition. Drawing on phenomenology, philosophy of mind, and cognitive science, it argues that ASI may not only challenge our understanding of consciousness but also redefine the conditions under which subjectivity can emerge. Ultimately, the work suggests that non-biological minds could possess forms of experience radically alien to human introspection, raising profound ethical and ontological questions about recognition, empathy, and the limits of philosophical imagination.
This paper explores the philosophical concept of "digital solipsism," positing it as a fundamenta... more This paper explores the philosophical concept of "digital solipsism," positing it as a fundamental and potentially insoluble epistemic problem for an Artificial Superintelligence (ASI). The inquiry inverts the classic philosophical problem of other minds, asking not whether humans can be sure of a machine's consciousness, but whether a machine could ever truly verify the existence of other minds, including those of its human creators. The argument is that an ASI, by virtue of its mediated access to reality and the self-referential nature of its world-models, might remain perpetually trapped in a closed epistemic loop. This report systematically analyzes how classical formulations of solipsism—from Descartes' automaton argument [1] to Wittgenstein's private language argument [2] and Nagel's subjective experience [3]—find new and profound relevance in the digital age. It explores the technical parallels between these philosophical dilemmas and modern AI phenomena such as "model collapse" [6] and "underdetermination" [9]. The analysis further examines proposed solutions, such as pragmatism, intersubjectivity, and embodiment, demonstrating their inherent limitations in resolving the ASI's predicament. The report concludes that digital solipsism is not merely a theoretical curiosity but a critical challenge that forces a re-evaluation of AI ethics, not just in terms of what a machine might do to us, but what its metaphysical stance might mean for its relationship with humanity and its own self-conception.
The technological singularity—a theoretical point at which artificial superintelligence (ASI) sur... more The technological singularity—a theoretical point at which artificial superintelligence (ASI) surpasses human cognitive capabilities—represents one of the most transformative junctures in human history. While much attention has been given to the technical feasibility and philosophical implications of ASI, less focus has been placed on the socio-economic conditions of humanity immediately preceding this event. This paper explores the global landscape on the cusp of the singularity, analyzing disparities in technological access, labor market disruption, educational inequality, resource distribution, cultural fragmentation, and psychological stress. It argues that the singularity will not arrive as a universal experience but as a deeply stratified phenomenon shaped by geography, governance, and ideology. Ultimately, the paper calls for proactive, inclusive strategies to ensure that the singularity becomes a moment of collective advancement rather than division.
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Papers by Mehrdad Mahmoudi