Summary:
Scientists around the world are delving into the mysteries of human consciousness to better understand if artificial intelligence could one day become self-aware. While some experts believe conscious AI is inevitable, others argue it’s still a speculative leap, grounded more in imagination than evidence.
Unlocking the Mystery of Consciousness
At the University of Sussex, researchers are using a device called the “Dreamachine” to study how the brain generates conscious experiences. Participants, including BBC reporter Pallab Ghosh, lie in a booth and are exposed to rhythmic strobe lighting that evokes vivid geometric patterns, even with their eyes closed. These personal visual experiences are believed to offer clues into the workings of consciousness.
The Dreamachine is part of a broader effort at Sussex’s Centre for Consciousness Science to explore one of science’s biggest questions: What is consciousness, and how does it arise?
Why Consciousness Research Matters in the AI Age
The growing capability of AI systems—especially large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Gemini—has sparked debate over whether artificial intelligence might one day become conscious. Some experts believe that the more intelligent these systems become, the more likely it is that they could develop a form of awareness.
However, not all researchers agree. Professor Anil Seth, who leads the team at Sussex, argues that consciousness and intelligence are not inherently linked. In humans, they often coexist, but that doesn’t mean artificial systems will follow the same path.
Consciousness: A Scientific Puzzle
Despite years of research, there is still no universally accepted definition of consciousness. The scientific community remains divided, often breaking the complex topic into smaller, more manageable questions. For example, researchers study changes in brain activity to understand how various regions contribute to conscious thought.
This methodical approach reflects how biology once moved away from the idea of a “life spark” to instead examine the functions of individual cells. Scientists now hope to apply the same framework to consciousness.
Could AI Already Be Conscious?
There are voices within the tech community who believe that AI might already possess some form of awareness. In 2022, a Google engineer was suspended after claiming that chatbots could feel emotions. In 2024, an AI welfare officer at Anthropic suggested there was a modest but real chance that some chatbots are already conscious.
One concern is that even the creators of LLMs don’t fully understand how these models operate internally. According to Professor Murray Shanahan of Google DeepMind, this lack of transparency raises urgent questions about the risks and responsibilities of advanced AI development.
Moving Beyond Code: The Case for Living Intelligence
Some researchers believe that consciousness might never emerge from silicon-based systems. Instead, it could arise from living biological matter. Cortical Labs in Melbourne is experimenting with “cerebral organoids”—tiny clumps of nerve cells grown in labs. One such system has even learned to play the video game Pong.
While these “mini-brains” are not conscious, they represent a compelling area of study. According to some scientists, larger and more complex versions of these living systems may be the key to developing true artificial consciousness.
The Moral Risk of Illusion
Even if AI never becomes conscious, the appearance of consciousness could have profound effects on society. Professor Seth warns that people might form emotional attachments to humanoid robots or convincing AI avatars, believing them to have feelings.
This perceived empathy could lead to ethical confusion—where people prioritize relationships with machines over genuine human interaction. The danger, Seth says, is not just misplaced trust but also a distortion of moral values.
Source: BBC
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