General Artificial Intelligence needs Consciousness

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) that matches human-like creativity and goal-setting requires consciousness, which machines cannot achieve through conventional computation. Human creativity arises from stochastic processes tied to subjective feeling, which computers can only emulate, not reproduce. The frame and halting problems prevent conventional systems from transcending their operational limits, whereas consciousness can overcome such boundaries and access deeper reality. Therefore, sentient AGI is impossible with current computer science methods. Alternative approaches like biocomputing or quantum models of consciousness might eventually create sentient machines, but they raise serious ethical concerns about generating new forms of awareness.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Human-like, Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) must autonomously explore reality, set its own goals, and demonstrate genuine creativity, such as making original scientific discoveries. Creativity in humans is rooted in high-level consciousness and the subjective feeling of personhood, making it unattainable for machines that are merely intelligent but not conscious, because creativity arises from stochastic processes machines can only emulate, not reproduce it. The frame and halting problems further limit conventional computational systems, preventing them from transcending their operational boundaries. Consciousness, on the other hand, can overcome operational boundaries set by evolution and access deeper layers of reality. Consequently, sentient AGI is not possible using conventional computer science approaches. Alternative approaches—such as biocomputing or quantum-based models of consciousness—might yield sentient machines in the future, though such hypothetical advancements raise profound ethical questions about creating new forms of awareness.