Artificial consciousness
Artificial consciousness refers to the concept of machines or systems that possess self-awareness and can think and experience emotions similarly to humans. This idea, sometimes called machine consciousness, goes beyond artificial intelligence (AI), which encompasses systems that simulate human intelligence but do not possess awareness of their own existence. As of 2024, artificial consciousness has not been realized, and many scholars suggest it could be decades or even centuries before it is possible, if at all. The discussion surrounding artificial consciousness is complex, involving philosophical and scientific inquiries into what consciousness truly means, as there is no universally accepted definition.
While AI technology has made significant strides, facilitating everyday tasks through smart assistants and automated systems, researchers note that machines still lack the ability to perceive themselves or understand emotions and values in a human-like manner. There are ongoing debates about which types of technology might be better suited to achieve artificial consciousness, with humanoid robots often cited as having the greatest potential. Additionally, ethical discussions arise concerning the rights of potentially conscious machines and their moral implications for human interactions. As advancements continue, the exploration of artificial consciousness remains a critical and evolving area of study.
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Artificial consciousness
Artificial consciousness is the concept that a human-created machine can achieve consciousness, meaning it is aware of its own existence and can think like it has a brain. Also known as machine consciousness, artificial consciousness has not yet been achieved as of 2024. It is a concept that goes beyond artificial intelligence and indicates that the human-built machine has become sentient, meaning it is able to perceive and experience emotion. Scientists, philosophers, and other scholars debate whether artificial consciousness can ever be achieved. Even those scholars who believe it is possible have noted that the scientific community is decades or more away from artificial consciousness becoming a possibility.
Artificial intelligence (AI), meanwhile, has become more present in everyday life. It represents the simulation of human intelligence through a machine or computer system. Examples of artificial intelligence include marketing chatbots, smart assistants, and manufacturing robots, among many others. Artificial consciousness is relevant in the scientific community because it takes this artificial intelligence one major step farther, creating a self-aware machine.
Background
Artificial intelligence has transformed technology in new and impactful ways. Deep-learning algorithms, machine learning, and cognitive computing have allowed machines to simulate human intelligence and, therefore, perform a multitude of previously impossible tasks. Some examples of artificial intelligence include speech-recognition programs, translation programs, and cameras that can recognize images. Facial recognition software and text editors are other examples of AI in everyday life. Additionally, virtual assistants, such as Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa, are powered by AI.
While artificial intelligence continues to evolve, so too does the scientific community’s discussion of artificial consciousness. Artificial intelligence represents a machine’s ability to solve a problem using its knowledge base and human-like intelligence. Artificial consciousness, on the other hand, is more challenging to define. Scholars have noted that understanding and identifying artificial consciousness is a process that requires in-depth philosophical discussion as well as scientific discussion. Ultimately, scientists must determine precisely when consciousness is achieved. An objective definition for consciousness does not exist, and one scientist’s definition of consciousness might be different from another’s. As a result, defining and identifying artificial consciousness in human-created machines is a challenging task.
Even though the definition of artificial consciousness is subjective, researchers agree that machines have not yet achieved artificial consciousness or sentience. Consciousness is complex, and scholars must better understand it before artificial consciousness can be achieved. For humans, experiences are subjective. A human is conscious of the feeling of the warm sun hitting their skin or aware of what the color blue looks like, but those experiences and perceptions are unique to each individual. Applying these same feelings of consciousness and awareness to machines, then, is an enormously complicated subject. Researchers argue that it is important to understand consciousness in general before determining whether a machine or computer may possess a level of human-like consciousness. The science behind artificial consciousness, then, seeks to identify how a machine acts intelligently; determine what, if any, emotions are involved; and pinpoint what technologies may be able to achieve artificial consciousness in the future.
Overview
Artificial intelligence is deep in its development and available in many everyday automated activities in the 2020s. AI achievements began to grow in the 1950s as computers could store more information with more speed and accuracy than ever before. AI has only continued to develop since then. However, the shift toward artificial consciousness could be decades or even centuries away—if it can be achieved at all.
It is difficult for scientists or philosophers to identify consciousness in humans, much less in human-made machines. Researchers Wen He Deyi Li and Yike Guo defined consciousness as “the awareness of one’s own existence, including awareness of one’s actions and why the actions are performed.” They argued that perception also plays a role in consciousness—that is, perception allows individuals to be conscious of what is taking place and why it is taking place. Self-awareness is another important component in consciousness, according to these researchers.
Deyi Li and Guo noted that three levels of consciousness exist. Self-perception includes the ability to distinguish between “I” and “non-I.” Self-awareness involves emotions, feelings, thoughts, desires, inspiration, and wisdom. Group consciousness is broader and includes an individual’s worldview, outlook on life, beliefs, culture, and values.
With this general understanding of consciousness in mind, it is clear that machines have not yet achieved artificial consciousness. A robot cannot distinguish between “I” and “non-I,” nor can a computer experience emotions or define its core values or outlook on life.
Although artificial consciousness does not yet exist, scientists believe that some types of technology are more likely to achieve it in the future than others. Specifically, some experts argue that humanoid robots have the greatest potential to achieve artificial consciousness by combining biological human intelligence with the processing speed and storage capabilities of a high-tech device. Some scholars believe that these machines will be more likely to gain consciousness than other devices, such as smart appliances, that lack the biological human intelligence factor. If and when artificial consciousness is achieved, most scholars believe it will require gradual development.
Intellectual tools, such as AI-powered devices and technology, remain unconscious. Instead, these machines incorporate elements of human intelligence to extend their capabilities and functions. However, this human-like level of intelligence is not yet consciousness.
An important ethical discussion relates to artificial consciousness as well. When machines engage with humans in human-like interactions, ethical issues can develop. Initial ethical concerns developed over robots that can potentially harm humans, leaving scientists to question whether machines need morality. Additional ethical issues arise over robot rights or strategies aimed at protecting the machines from humans. Some scholars argue that if a robot is able to achieve consciousness, it may also possess the ability to demand its rights in a human-like way. This ethical debate continues as artificially intelligent human-made technology continues to impact everyday life. Ultimately, the ethics behind artificial consciousness likely cannot be determined until artificial consciousness is achieved.
Artificial intelligence has evolved significantly since the middle of the twentieth century. With human-made machines now possessing human-like intelligence, technology continues to advance. The debate over artificial consciousness continues, with scientists and philosophers questioning the definition of the term and the possibility for science to achieve it. As technology evolves, so too will science’s outlook on artificial consciousness.
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