As Large Language Models get better at understanding text, images, video and speech, their sensory abilities seem increasingly like those of humans. Researchers are left wondering what this could teach us about our own brains and minds, as well as when — and if — artificial intelligence will achieve true consciousness.

This question was the topic of a panel discussion, titled “Can Machines Become Conscious?” held March 4 in the Friend Center. Attended by about 200 people, it was part of a series of talks this semester hosted by Princeton Language and Intelligence exploring the future of AI.

One of the panelists was David Chalmers, a professor of philosophy and neural science at New York University and co-director of the Center for Mind, Brain, and Consciousness. In his philosophical writings, Chalmers has explored the possibility of machine consciousness. 

Another panelist was Michael Graziano, a professor at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute, who studies the brain basis of consciousness. His lab is currently testing his mechanistic theory of awareness, called the attention schema theory.

The event was moderated by author Anil Ananthaswamy, who is also a visiting professional specialist for the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence.