The capability of AI systems, especially that of ChatGPT, leads to the proposition that soon the artificial intelligence system will have consciousness. Still, this could be underestimation of the biological consciousness the human beings have.
It is so amazing to get the kind of responses from the AI model. Does it work only on the strength of algorithms and smart recognition of patterns? The quality of output generated by ChatGPT sways us to believe that it emanates from a conscious system.
Though the responsiveness of ChatGPT appear to be from a conscious system, we are drawing a wrong inference. Neuroscientists know that the model lacks the sensory contact that a live organism has with the world around it. In addition, the architecture of thalamocortical system of the brain is different.
Can consciousness emerge whenever intelligent systems, whether biological or artificial, become large enough? The conversation we have with a bot seems so real. It is tempting to attribute consciousness to it. However, consciousness is what we perceive it to be. It is in the eyes of beholder.
These models lack feelings and emotions. Besides, they are not cellular organisms. Their nodes are not exactly what the neurons of the brain are.
Prompt engineers provoke ChatGPT to the extent that makes us feel that it is a self-aware entity. The quest will continue, but never ever ChatGPT will be able to prove that it is a conscious entity since surely it is not.
Of course, in fullness of time, they will be able to do anything that humans can do.
In 2022, Blake Lemoine, a Google engineer, argued that LaMDA chatbot was conscious, though most other experts disagreed with him. ChatGPT lacks empathy and emotional entelligence.
Stephen Hawking imagines AI that improves and replicates itself. Perhaps, this could be a new form of life. He warned that these superhumans would use gene editing to take over. Their expertise in genetic engineering could let them surpass their fellow beings.
Evolution theory has an altogether different trajectory while conscious living organisms emerged. There are no parallels in AI systems of such evolution.
We have to cover a long way before we understand consciousness and hence a long way to have conscious machines.