Robert J. Marks II

Director, Senior Fellow, Walter Bradley Center for Natural & Artificial Intelligence
Robert J. Marks Ph.D. is Senior Fellow and Director of the Bradley Center and is Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Baylor University. Marks is a Fellow of both the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and Optica (formerly the Optical Society of America). He was the former Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and is the current Editor-in-Chief of BIO-Complexity. Marks is author of the books Non-Computable You: What You Do That Artificial Intelligence Never Will Never Do and The Case For Killer Robots. He is co-author of the books For a Greater Purpose: The Life and Legacy of Walter Bradley, Neural Smithing: Supervised Learning in Feedforward Artificial Neural Networks and Introduction to Evolutionary Informatics. For more information, see Dr. Marks’s expanded bio.

Archives

In What Sense is Consciousness a Property?

Robert J. Marks
October 3, 2024
On this episode, hosts Robert J. Marks and Angus Menuge welcome Dr. Mihretu Guta to discuss his contribution to the recent volume Minding the Brain. Dr. Guta discusses the nature of consciousness and the challenges in understanding it from a philosophical perspective. He argues that consciousness is a unique property that is deeply subjective and personal, making it difficult to study scientifically. Guta contrasts first-order and second-order approaches to understanding consciousness, emphasizing the need to go beyond just the empirical observation of mental phenomena and examine the underlying metaphysical and ontological questions. The discussion covers a number of relevant topics, highlighting the profound and puzzling nature of consciousness and the importance of philosophical …

Dr. Robert J. Marks Reads From Minding the Brain

Robert J. Marks
September 19, 2024
Is your mind the same thing as your brain? Or are there aspects of mind that are external to the biology of the brain? This is the mind-body problem, and it has captivated curious minds since the dawn of human contemplation. Today many insist that the mind is completely reducible to the brain. But is that claim justified? On this episode, host Robert J. Marks reads from the Introduction to the recent volume Minding the Brain: Models of the Mind, Information, and Empirical Science. There is ample evidence across a spectrum of specialties that the mind is more than the brain, and the evidence for a non-materialist account is accumulating. Minding the Brain highlights this evidence, laying the groundwork for promising lines of inquiry for a new generation of philosophical and scientific …

AI’s Boundaries and Human Creativity: A Conversation with Dr. Robert J. Marks

Robert J. Marks
September 12, 2024
In this recent radio interview, prefaced by a brief introduction from Discovery Institute representative Dr. Tom Winkler, host Mark Davis speaks with Dr. Robert Marks, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Baylor University and director of the Discovery Institute’s Walter Bradley Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence. Marks discusses his book Non-Computable You: What You Do That Artificial Intelligence Never Will, which argues that AI has limitations and will never replicate human creativity, consciousness, and understanding. Marks also discusses the potential benefits and risks of AI, noting that while it may disrupt some industries, it can also free up time for people to pursue more enjoyable activities. He cautions against blindly handing over important …

Richard Stevens on All Things AI and Law

Richard W. Stevens and Robert J. Marks
August 29, 2024
In this episode, lawyer and Mind Matters News contributor Richard W. Stevens is on the show to discuss the legal issues and challenges around copyright, fair use, and the use of copyrighted material by AI systems. They discuss the implications of a recent Supreme Court case, Warhol vs. Goldsmith, that tackles the legal concepts of “derivative work” and “transformative work.” Host Robert Marks and Stevens discuss how the case could affect other cases involving artificial intelligence. The conversation also touches on the broader tensions between property rights in information/data and public access, and how AI is affecting the legal landscape around copyright and ownership in the digital age. Additional Resources “How to Stop Troubling Abuse From …

How to Rise Above Addictive Technologies to Find Real Freedom

Doug Smith and Robert J. Marks
August 8, 2024
On this episode, software engineer and author Doug Smith concludes his conversation with host Robert Marks about the false promises of technologies like VR (virtual reality) and AI. Smith and Marks discuss the Apple Vision Pro VR headset and the promotion of spirituality in its marketing. They explore the idea of AI spirituality and the belief in the singularity. The conversation touches on the writings of Marshall McLuhan and Jacques Ellul, philosophers of technology who predicted the current impact of technology on society. The conversation rounds out with the importance of leading a disciplined life and the need to be cautious and mindful of the impact of technology on our lives. Additional Resources Follow Doug Smith at ThatDougSmith.com Doug Smith writing about …

Robert Marks & Zoltan Istvan Debate AI and Transhumanism

Robert J. Marks
July 18, 2024
Are we on the verge of an era of incalculable human progress because of the power of AI, or are we threatened with being made obsolete and perhaps extinguished in an age of intelligent machines? In this episode, Robert J. Marks and author Zoltan Istvan debate secular transhumanism and artificial intelligence (AI). Marks argues that AI can never be creative and that it will never understand what it does or possess consciousness. He believes that the danger of AI lies in unintended consequences or malicious human interference. Istvan, on the other hand, sees AI as a potential existential threat to humanity. He believes that AI could become so intelligent that it surpasses human understanding and control. The discussion also touches on topics such as the singularity, AI’s impact on …

Exploring Personal Identity: More from Dr. Jonathan Loose

Robert J. Marks
July 11, 2024
In this episode of Mind Matters News, hosts Robert J. Marks and Angus Menuge continue their discussion with Dr. Jonathan J. Loose, author of the chapter “The Simple Theory of Personal Identity and the Life Scientific” in the book Minding the Brain. They explore thought experiments that challenge the idea that personal identity is solely determined by physical and psychological continuity. They also discuss how the simple view of personal identity aligns with common sense and the practical implications for science and reasoning. The conversation wraps with the importance of considering all evidence, including subjective experiences, in understanding reality. Additional Resources Minding the Brain: Models of the Mind, Information, and Empirical Science Jonathan J …

Can Free Will and Predestination Both Be True?

Seemingly contradictory arguments can sometimes be resolved from a higher level perspective. Quantum mechanics vs. classical physics provides an illustration
Robert J. Marks
July 11, 2024
The conflict between free will and predestination disappears when considering the perspective of the almighty “I Am” vs. our human perspective.

High Tech Wizards Are Trying To Create a God in Their Own Image

Some AI industry figures believe in the coming of the Singularity, wherein machines duplicate and then exceed the abilities of man
Robert J. Marks
July 10, 2024
There is no convincing evidence that computers will ever experience creativity, understanding, and sentience. These are human attributes that can't be computed.

Dr. Jonathan Loose on Personal Identity and the Life Scientific

Robert J. Marks
July 4, 2024
In this episode of Mind Matters News, co-hosts Robert J Marks and Angus Menuge interview Dr. Jonathan Loose, another featured author included in the recent volume Minding the Brain. The book delves into the age-old question is the mind more than the brain? Loose’s chapter is titled “The Simple Theory of Personal Identity and The Life Scientific.” The trio discuss the concept of personal identity and its relationship to consciousness and scientific discovery. They explore the distinction between identity at a time and identity over time, as well as the differences between simple and complex views of personal identity. They also examine the implications of recognizing an immaterial substance as the basis of personal identity and its relevance to scientific observation …

Trail Life: An Antidote for Digital Addiction in Boys

Robert J. Marks
June 27, 2024
Are there any trusted organizations today that can help boys avoid the pitfalls of digital technologies while encouraging them to develop positive character traits? On this double episode from the archive, host Robert Marks speaks to former Eagle Scout and businessman Kent Marks about the problems facing young men today and the organization he co-founded to help remedy those problems. Trail Life USA is an organization that promotes digital wellness and outdoor engagement. Founded in 2013 as an alternative to the Boy Scouts of America, Trail Life USA focuses on Judeo-Christian values and outdoor activities. The organization has seen significant growth, with over 50,000 members and troops in all 50 states. It emphasizes safety and vetting of leaders to ensure the well-being of its members. …

A Case for the Relational Person: More From Dr. Eric Jones

Robert J. Marks
June 20, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Eric Jones, a professor of psychology at Regent University, concludes his discussion of the concept of the relational person and its implications for psychology. He explains that the traditional materialistic and atomistic view of the individual is insufficient to explain social thought and behavior. Instead, he argues for a relational model that emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals and the importance of relationships in shaping behavior and identity. However, he acknowledges that his viewpoint is not widely accepted in the field of psychology, which tends to favor materialistic and evolutionary perspectives. He also notes that his perspective aligns with his Christian beliefs, something that may limit acceptance of his ideas within the scientific …

The Atomistic vs. Relational Model of Personhood

Robert J. Marks
June 13, 2024
In this episode, host Robert J. Marks and guest Dr. Eric Jones continue to discuss the concept of the relational person and its implications for psychology research. They explore two competing models of the person: the atomistic, egoistic model and the relational model. Dr. Jones highlights examples of researchers who approach psychology research from an atomistic, egoistic perspective, rooted in materialism and naturalism. He also discusses research that supports the relational model, including studies on attachment theory, the Michelangelo Effect, and the Harvard Grant Study. The conversation emphasizes the importance of relationships and social connections in human development and overall well-being. Additional Resources Minding the Brain: Models of the Mind, Information, …

The Relational Person: Challenging the Dominant Model in Psychology

Robert J. Marks
June 6, 2024
On this episode of Mind Matters News, host Robert J. Marks interviews Dr. Eric Jones, a professor of psychology at Regent University, about the concept of the relational person. Jones contributed a chapter on the topic to the recent volume Minding the Brain. Jones explains that the dominant view in psychology is the atomistic individual, which sees individuals as self-contained entities striving for independence. However, Jones argues for a relational view of the person, which sees individuals as part of an interdependent system. He uses the analogy of a hand to illustrate this, explaining that a hand cannot function independently from the rest of the body. Jones also discusses the influence of social connections on behavior, citing the Milgram experiment as an example. He …

AI and Common Sense

Large Language Models and paraprosdokian one-liners
Robert J. Marks
May 20, 2024
An LLM will never write a joke that gives another LLM a good honest belly laugh.

Talk More, Tech Less: Digital Wellness Tips From Dawn Wible

Robert J. Marks
April 25, 2024
On this episode, host Robert J. Marks welcomes Dawn Wible, founder of the digital wellness organization Talk More. Tech Less., to discuss the impact of digital media on mental health and well-being. Wible emphasizes the need to be intentional about technology use and offers strategies for mitigating the negative effects of excessive screen time. Wible highlights five areas of life that are deeply affected by screens: physical health, mental health, time, relationships, and ethics. She suggests incorporating healthy habits such as taking breaks, setting boundaries, and being mindful of one’s digital footprint. Wible also recommends using tools like blue light filters and apps that block distracting websites. Ultimately, Wible encourages listeners to make healthier choices regarding …

The AI Bandwagon & Biden’s Executive Order

There are dangers and AI mitigation is needed. The question, though, is how .
Robert J. Marks
April 9, 2024
On Oct 30, 2023, President Biden issued an Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence. A follow-up  OMB Policy for management of AI was announced on March 28, 2024. Swallowing AI hype, the AI directive kills a fly with grenade just in case there are other flies nearby. AI remains an exciting often mind-blowing technology, but hyped futuristic depictions of AI in The Terminator and The Matrix are unrealizable science fiction. Unlike humans,  AI will never understand what it is doing, be creative or experience qualia. AI is a tool. Like electricity or thermonuclear energy, it can be used for good or evil. Or can be the source of unforeseen accidents ranging from frayed house wiring to Chernobyl. There are dangers and AI mitigation is needed. The …

Cyberwarfare in the Israeli War

Cyberwarfare is the new arms race where opponents try to outdo each other using computer technology
Robert J. Marks
April 7, 2024
Cyberwarfare is the new arms race where opponents try to outdo each other using computer technology. For example, some missiles are guided by the GPS I use daily and take for granted. Israel’s cybersecurity infrastructure has activated nationwide GPS jamming. The jamming seeks to disrupt drones and GPS-guided missiles aimed at the country.   Nowhere is GPS jamming more concentrated than in the Middle East. HERE is a map of areas around the world where GPS is disrupted. Click and drag to rotate the globe. In developing weapons in the cyberwarfare back and forth, the United States remains aware of dependency on easily disreputable technology like GPS. If GPS is disrupted, what technology can take its place? One approach is simple comparison of onboard maps to terrain …