This talk explores the relationship between selfhood and intelligence in both biological and artificial systems, with a particular focus on bodily homeostatic self-regulation. It distinguishes between cumulative (quantitative) and qualitative information processing, highlighting how biological systems—being finite—must prioritize information critical to survival, discarding what is unnecessary. In contrast, artificial systems process vast quantities of information as though they possess infinite time and energy resources.

The speaker argues that biological self-organizing systems are constrained by mortality, which imposes a finality and a survival-driven goal. Artificial systems, lacking a body, do not face the same death-related limitations. However, in real-world contexts where energy resources are finite, artificial systems also encounter constraints, suggesting they too face an "end problem."

This event is hosted by the Digital Futures Institute and the Centre for Technology and the Body (CTB), and is led by Dr Anna Ciaunica.

About the Speaker:

Dr Anna Ciaunica is a Principal Investigator at the Centre for Philosophy of Science, University of Lisbon, and a Research Associate at the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London. Her interdisciplinary work focuses on self-consciousness, embodiment, and the impact of social interactions—both human and artificial—on the mind and body. She combines conceptual analysis with psychophysiological and neuroimaging methods to explore how we experience ourselves and others in both physical and virtual environments.

The event will conclude with an opportunity to meet fellow attendees, share reflections, and engage in informal discussions and networking.