Normativity and the Intelligent Matter Framework

An emerging field at the intersection of artificial intelligence, materials science, physical chemistry, and nanotechnology targets the creation of intelligent matter . However, despite demonstration of interesting behaviors in molecular systems and soft materials, the production of truly intelligent matter remains elusive. To address this, Kaspar and colleagues articulate a theoretical framework purporting to guide and evaluate the progress of the field. In this chapter, I argue that the absence of a normative criterion by which to assess the behavior of proto-intelligent material systems prevents the framework from adequately serving its guiding and evaluative functions. Without a clear specification of what kinds of behaviors count as intelligent, researchers are unlikely to develop material systems that exhibit them. I propose to augment the IMF with a normative criterion requiring purportedly intelligent systems to implement concrete behaviors which contribute towards higher-order goals in virtue of the coordinated activity of their functional elements.