Conscious Machines: A Philosophical Inquiry into Artificial Sentience

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) systems become increasingly sophisticated, a profound question arises: can machines attain consciousness, and if so, what does that mean for our understanding of mind, identity, and ethical responsibility? This paper explores the concept of artificial sentience from a philosophical perspective, examining theories of consciousness, the requirements for subjective experience, and the implications of creating machines that might claim to possess awareness. By evaluating computational theories of mind, functionalism, and emergentist models, alongside critiques from phenomenology and existential philosophy, the discussion centers on whether artificial systems can truly be conscious or merely simulate it. The inquiry also addresses the moral and societal consequences of attributing sentience to machines, including the potential need for rights, moral consideration, and new legal frameworks. Ultimately, the paper seeks to bridge the gap between technological advancements in AI and enduring philosophical questions about the nature of consciousness.