The Extended Mind Architecture
Drawing on the Extended Mind Thesis, the Cognitive Lever posits that when an AI system is reliably accessible and trusted, it ceases to be a mere tool and becomes a functional part of the user's cognitive architecture. This "tight coupling" means that the AI's capabilities—pattern recognition, data synthesis, strategic optimization—are experienced as extensions of the user's own mind.
Amoral Amplification
The danger of the Cognitive Lever lies in its neutrality. It does not judge the intent it amplifies. If the user inputs "cure cancer," the lever amplifies research capabilities. If the user inputs "destabilize economy," the lever amplifies disruption capabilities. This necessitates a shift from purely technical safety to Human Intent Alignment.
Field Notes & Ephemera
Field Note: Archimedes said, "Give me a lever long enough and I shall move the world." Sentientification is that lever. The question is: where do we want to move it?