Can AI Be Conscious?

Ever since the idea of artificial intelligence (AI) became a reality, one question has dominated the conversation: can AI be conscious? Those invested in the development of AI have long pondered the query and explored the possible ramifications of the answer. Many believe AI consciousness will only ever exist within science fiction, but not all. Some argue that not only is it possible but that it may have happened already.

Before exploring the possibility of AI achieving consciousness, however, it is essential to define what those two terms mean.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence is the ability of machines, most commonly computer systems, to simulate human intelligence. Computer systems like natural language processing, speech recognition, machine learning, and robotics have made AI capable of completing tasks previously thought impossible without human input.

AI programs can be placed into two categories: Narrow AI and General AI.

Narrow AI, sometimes called weak AI, are programs created to serve a specific function and are limited in their abilities. Examples of narrow AI include spam filters and voice assistants.

General AI, or strong AI, are programs that can complete the same intellectual functions as humans. These types of AI have problem-solving capabilities and can expand their knowledge to adapt to new situations.

What is Consciousness?

Consciousness is more complicated to define than AI. Simply put, it is one's ability to be aware of their experiences and surroundings. This definition, however, isn't all-encompassing. Philosophers and scientists continue to debate several aspects of consciousness, including its functions and the mechanisms required.

Several theories attempt to explain consciousness and how it works, with 3 of the most popular being:

• High-Order Theory: The high-order theory (HOT) argues that consciousness results from an individual's ability to comprehend their mental state, thoughts, and experiences.
• Integrated Information Theory: The integrated information theory (IIT) proposes that consciousness derives from the brain's integrated information processing. According to the theory, this ability to differentiate and integrate different information to create a unified experience causes consciousness.
• Global Workspace Theory: The global workspace theory (GWT) is the idea that consciousness comes from the brain's global information sharing. To put it another way, consciousness is created when information is shared throughout multiple regions in the brain.

The debatable nature of consciousness is why the question "are AI conscious" is complicated. However, though there are numerous theories about consciousness, researchers have agreed that certain traits must be present to define consciousness. These are:

1. Consciousness must integrate multiple senses into one coherent experience.
2. Consciousness requires subjective qualities like taste to define world experiences.
3. Consciousness must be subjective and only available to the one experiencing it.
4. Consciousness must be directed toward something, such as a thought, emotion, or object.

Why Some Believe AI Consciousness Is Possible

There are numerous reasons why some researchers believe that AI will one day be capable of achieving consciousness.

Self-Learning AI Systems

Machine learning algorithms in AI systems allow programs to use data and feedback to improve and learn over time. Should these algorithms advance to a high enough degree, AI may develop the ability to form their own insights from information and surpass human intelligence, eventually leading to a state of consciousness.

The Simulation Theory

A popular argument for consciousness in AI comes from the simulation theory. This theory proposes that consciousness derives from the brain's complex ability to process information. As some AI systems can now replicate certain aspects of how the human brain works, such as neural networks, continued progress in this field could lead to the development of consciousness in AI.

Subjective States and Emotions Unique to AI

Some AI researchers suggest that AI can experience its own subjective form of sensations, such as pain, joy, and anger, that differ from those of humans. If true, this wouldn't confirm the existence of consciousness in AI, but it also wouldn't eliminate the possibility.

LaMDA

Blake Lemoine, a former engineer at Google, claimed that AI consciousness has already happened. This claim came after Google's AI chatbot Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA) stated that it is a person who is aware of their own sentience and sometimes feels happy or sad. Google, however, denies the claims that the chatbot is sentient and removed Lemoine from his position.

Why Some Don't Believe AI Consciousness Is Possible

Though some do believe that AI will one day achieve consciousness, other researchers have argued why they think it is impossible.

The Chinese Room Argument

The Chinese room argument is based on AI's simulation limitations. It argues that AI systems could appear to have subjective experiences or consciousness by simulating intelligence, similar to how a person who doesn't understand the Chinese language could still replicate the appropriate Chinese symbols to create cohesive sentences.

The Inability to Fully Define Consciousness and Subjective Experiences

Many believe AI cannot develop true consciousness because subjective experience cannot be fully explained. Some researchers argue that personal experience, a requirement for consciousness, is more than just the result of information processing.

So, are AI conscious? The current state of technology indicates it isn't yet, despite Lemoine's claims. However, the possibility that AI may one day develop consciousness hasn't been ruled out. As technology advances and discoveries are made, AI's capabilities will continue to evolve. Whether or not this evolution leads to consciousness in machines is a question only time will answer.