Machine Consciousness
Dreams, Jokes, and Songs July 31, 2025 DOI: 10.1093/9780198962373.003.0009 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractArtificial intelligence, including models like ChatGPT, is unlikely to achieve human-like consciousness because its neural network structure differs fundamentally from biological neural processes. Using the Neural Representation, Binding, and Coherence (NBC) theory, the chapter explains that current AI excels in linguistic, abstract reasoning, and multimodal tasks but lacks sensory and emotional inputs essential for consciousness. Ethical considerations are raised about conscious AI, including rights, potential advantages over humans, and risks in adversarial contexts. The chapter advocates for measures to prevent AI from developing consciousness, citing ethical, practical, and existential implications.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that current generative AI lacks sensory and emotional inputs critical to human consciousness and is unlikely to become conscious under the NBC framework. |
Abstract
Abstract This chapter explores the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to become conscious, using the Neural Representation, Binding, and Coherence (NBC) theory as a framework. It evaluates AI models like ChatGPT, highlighting their strengths in linguistic, abstract reasoning, and multimodal capabilities while recognizing their limitations in sensory, emotional, and goal-oriented consciousness. The chapter explains how AI’s neural network structure differs from biological neural processes, affecting its ability to replicate human-like consciousness. Despite their intelligence, current generative AI lacks sensory and emotional inputs critical to human consciousness. Ethical considerations surrounding conscious AI are discussed, including rights, potential advantages over humans, and risks in adversarial contexts. The chapter advocates measures to prevent AI from developing consciousness, emphasizing the ethical, practical, and existential implications of such advances.