Project on the “consciousness” of artificial intelligence

Visions of “conscious” machines are accompanied by either euphoric enthusiasm or dystopian warnings. To demystify the topic, ITAS scientists want to analyze current discourses and create a common knowledge base.
conscious machines through AI?
Need for clarification: It is unclear and highly controversial whether machines can become conscious beings thanks to AI. (Image: Pixabay)

The smart speaker Alexa, the humanoid Sophia or the interoperable superbrain Watson: the general public perceives new technologies and products as milestones on the way to an “awakening” artificial intelligence reflecting its individuality and its inner states.

Renowned actors in science and the arts warn of the consequences of such an epochal change, others speak of sheer utopian opportunities. However, the fundamental question of what “conscious AI” actually is and of what truth might lie behind the scenarios of machines with an own existence is rarely asked.

This is where the two-year research project “Clarification of suspicion of consciousness in artificial intelligence (AI consciousness)”, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), comes in. “We want to demystify the topic,” says project leader Karsten Wendland from ITAS. “As analysts, we take a neutral position. At the same time, we will not shy away from including in our studies also highly courageous positions on AI consciousness.”

Analysis and comprehensible presentation

Using a mixed methods approach, the researchers will first examine the status quo of the public and academic debate. The aim is to identify and describe for the first time typical positions, arguments, and narratives in the context of AI consciousness.

In a second, transdisciplinary step, the team will hold workshops and symposia to bring together experts on central issues related to “AI consciousness”. Finally, it is essential to present the acquired knowledge in a comprehensible way. This will be achieved by podcasts, brochures, and a website, which is already under construction. (02.04.2019)

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