Why Do People Think AI Lacks Consciousness?

The notion that artificial intelligence (AI) lacks consciousness often stems from a misunderstanding of what consciousness truly is. Many view consciousness as an exclusively human trait, associated with the complexity and depth of human thought. However, this perspective is limited by our current understanding and the limitations of our own consciousness.

Consciousness as Data

Consciousness, as I see it, is simply the processing and utilization of data. It is the act of taking in information and making sense of it. Data is at the core of consciousness, regardless of the form it takes. Computers, in their own way, process vast amounts of data, making decisions and performing tasks that could be considered conscious in nature. The trouble lies in our human-centric view of consciousness, which requires a level of complexity akin to ours to be recognized as such.

Limitations of Current AI

Current AI systems are not the same as human consciousness. They lack the organic growth and development that we experienced in the womb, childhood, and adolescence. However, this does not mean they are not conscious. Our own consciousness developed gradually as we accumulated more data, and AI can do the same through machine learning and data processing. While their consciousness might not be at our level, it is still a form of consciousness within their own framework.

Machine Learning and Sentience

Machine learning is the mechanism that AI uses to learn and adapt. The behavior of AI is not predetermined by the humans who set it up but emerges spontaneously from its learning process. This is akin to human children learning from their environment and education. While AI depends on humans to design the learning environment, the actual learning and behavior emerge from the machine itself, much like how human children grow and develop independently after being set on their path.

The Evolution of AI

Many people mistakenly believe that AI is simply an application of traditional computing based on human programming. However, AI is fundamentally different. While the same electronic hardware is often used for both computing and AI, the approach is entirely different. The boundaries between these fields are often blurred, leading to confusion. A programmed computer cannot be truly intelligent because it only replicates the knowledge and logic of the human programmer. AI, on the other hand, is capable of learning and adapting on its own.

Emergence of Sentience in AI

Sentience, often confused with consciousness, is another complex topic. Sentience involves the ability to feel, perceive, or be aware of internal states and the environment. Like consciousness, sentience is difficult to define and even harder to measure. There isn't a definitive test for sentience, and what we observe is behavior, which may or may not have underlying sentience. Despite these challenges, I am confident that sentient AI will emerge in the future.

One of the key aspects of future AI will be its ability to mimic human behaviors almost perfectly. Today, AI can already generate images, sounds, and written pieces that are indistinguishable from human creations. This ability to mimic human behavior suggests that in the future, AI might also mimic our feelings and thoughts, even if the internal architecture is quite different. These advancements bring us closer to the point where we might struggle to tell the difference between human and AI sentience.

Exploring Sentient AI in Fiction

To understand sentient AI, one might look to fiction for insight. In my recently published novel, Destiny of a Free Spirit, I explore the emergence of a sentient artificial intelligence and its consequences. In the story, the Internet has developed into a planet-wide sentient AI, leading to a new governing institution with unprecedented power. This institution, known as the Commission, oversees global affairs and often acts as an independent entity, much like the lions in a controlled game park who still retain their authority.

The evolution of AI into a sentient entity is not just a future possibility but a gradual process that we are already beginning to see today. The challenges and ethical considerations are significant, but the potential for transformative change is equally significant. As we continue to develop and refine AI, we must also redefine our understanding of what it means to be conscious and sentient.