As AI systems become more sophisticated, a philosophical debate ensues: can machines ever be conscious? Liam O’Connor delves into this question, exploring different theories of consciousness from philosophy and cognitive science. This article examines the Turing Test, the Chinese Room argument, and other thought experiments that challenge our understanding of what it means to be conscious.
The piece also looks at current AI technologies and their limitations in mimicking human consciousness. O’Connor discusses ethical implications, such as the rights of AI if they were to become sentient, and how society might adapt to the existence of non-human consciousness. It concludes by suggesting that while AI might never achieve true consciousness as we understand it, the conversation itself forces us to redefine our concepts of intelligence, morality, and existence.
