Biological mechanisms contradict AI consciousness: The spaces between the notes

Consciousness likely depends on biological processes within individual cells that have no equivalent in computer-based artificial intelligence. The argument challenges the prevailing view that AI consciousness is primarily a matter of functional information density and integration, and that no technical barriers prevent its achievement. When cognition is understood as a cellular attribute, the premises underlying the possibility of AI consciousness are directly contradicted. The innate characteristics of biological information and how cells manage that information have no parallels in machine-based AI systems. Any claim of computer-based AI consciousness represents a fundamental misunderstanding of these crucial differences.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The presumption that experiential consciousness requires a nervous system and brain has been central to the debate on the possibility of developing a conscious form of artificial intelligence (AI). The likelihood of future AI consciousness or devising tools to assess its presence has focused on how AI might mimic brain-centered activities. Currently, dual general assumptions prevail: AI consciousness is primarily an issue of functional information density and integration, and no substantive technical barriers exist to prevent its achievement. When the cognitive process that underpins consciousness is stipulated as a cellular attribute, these premises are directly contradicted. The innate characteristics of biological information and how that information is managed by individual cells have no parallels within machine-based AI systems. Any assertion of computer-based AI consciousness represents a fundamental misapprehension of these crucial differences.