Can artificial intelligence truly be conscious? Dr. Wanja Wiese, a philosopher from Ruhr University Bochum in Germany, explores this question in his recent essay published in the journal Philosophical Studies. While developing conscious AI may seem desirable, Wiese argues that it's not necessarily a good idea, citing significant differences between human brains and computers. He identifies two approaches to considering consciousness in artificial systems: one focuses on adding features to current AI to make it more likely to be conscious, while the other aims to rule out the possibility of certain types of systems becoming conscious. Wiese takes the latter approach, seeking to reduce the risk of inadvertently creating artificial consciousness and prevent deception by seemingly conscious AI systems. He draws on British neuroscientist Karl Friston's free energy principle, which describes the processes that ensure a living organism's continued existence as a type of information processing. Wiese argues that while computers can simulate these processes, they may not be able to replicate conscious experience without additional conditions being met.
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