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AI Consciousness Debate

The discussion about the potential for future Artificial Intelligence (AI) to possess consciousness might divide people into two camps, fears Jonathan Birch, a philosophy professor at the London School of Economics. This concern arises from a group of scientists who suggest that AI consciousness could be possible by 2035. Various US media outlets have reported on this.

In anticipation of the AI Action Summit on November 21 and 22 in Los Angeles, which will focus on safety frameworks for AI, philosopher Birch expresses concern that belief or disbelief in AI having emotions could divide people. The debate was sparked by a group of scientists who believe that AI might exhibit forms of emotions within the next decade.

Societal Implications of AI

Defining these implications remains challenging and is controversial even among experts. How should possible emotions like joy or pain in AI be measured? If measurable, what rights should be granted to AI? A similar debate revolves around the treatment of animals and their welfare, where different cultural, religious, or social interests clash.

According to Birch, companies lack interest in addressing the secondary and societal effects of AI. Patrick Butlin, a research fellow at the University of Oxford, warns of the danger that AI systems might resist in harmful ways, justifying a slowdown in development. However, such an assessment of consciousness is not currently happening and is not being addressed by technology companies.

Even though experts themselves are divided on the future state of AI consciousness, philosophers remain concerned about the potential division in society. A first step would be to acknowledge this issue and establish parameters to measure AI’s emotions.

In a deep dive on AI, Wolfgang Stieler from MIT Technology Review discusses AI and consciousness.

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