AI could radically change how we view consciousness
Warnings & what it means for our understanding of ourselves.
The feeling of cold hands on winter’s morning. The pleasurable sense of relaxation when first waking. A song that’s stuck in your head. The stressful feelings that arise when running late. These are experiences we’ve all had — they’re also a sign of our consciousness.
Consciousness, ultimately, is your experience of everything. But what exactly does consciousness consist of, and how does it arise?
That’s a question that’s been baffling neuroscientists, biologists, philosophers, and spiritual seekers for centuries.
Now with the rapid rise of AI, that question may finally be answered — though it could have serious implications for humankind.
What’s the neuroscience of consciousness?
Ask a neuroscientist about consciousness and they’ll tell you that neurons — and therefore the brain — are the essential aspect. Neuroscientists are said to have identified several brain areas that generate consciousness. But despite discovering these key areas, there’s no consensus when it comes to the origin of consciousness.
