In his latest book, "Cosas que nunca creeríais: De la ciencia ficción a la neurociencia," published in 2024, neuroscientist Rodrigo Quian Quiroga reflects on the nature of consciousness.
Quian Quiroga, who discovered the so-called "Jennifer Aniston neurons"—neurons that respond to specific concepts—argues that what makes us human is not a single organ but a combination of factors, including common sense and the language developed over the last 100,000 years.
During an interview with BBC Mundo at the Hay Festival in Cartagena, Quian Quiroga discussed the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to surpass human intelligence. He reassured that there is no need to fear this development, contrasting it with dystopian scenarios depicted in films like "Terminator" or "Planet of the Apes." Instead, he emphasized the benefits of AI in areas such as medical analysis, where it can assist rather than replace human doctors.
While acknowledging that AI might eventually replicate human intelligence, Quian Quiroga pointed out that it currently lacks two critical elements: general intelligence—the ability to learn new tasks in novel contexts—and self-awareness, which humans possess.
He highlighted the impossibility of limiting the advancement of computers and AI, stating that anyone can develop AI algorithms from home. He believes that AI could potentially surpass human intelligence if it develops general intelligence and common sense.
Quian Quiroga's research on concept neurons has significant implications for understanding memory and thought processes. He noted that these neurons provide an abstract representation of memories, a trait not observed in other species.
In conclusion, Quian Quiroga posits that while AI is evolving rapidly, the fundamental questions surrounding consciousness and what it means to be human are also being reconsidered in light of these advancements.