What computers will never be able to do

Thomas Tozer

pp. 99-108

in: Robert Skidelsky, Nan Craig (eds), Work in the future, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2020

Abstract

Could artificial intelligence ever replicate all the abilities of humans? This question hinges on whether or not the mind is simply an advanced machine. If consciousness is non-physical then the mind cannot be reduced to a machine, and computers will never be conscious in the same way that humans are. The implications for employment and automation include the inability of computers to take on all empathetic and caring work roles.