2022 Survey Found 67% of Scientists Say AI Could Be Conscious
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Nov 1
2022 Survey Found 67% of Scientists Say AI Could Be Conscious
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Nov 1
Summary
More than two-thirds of consciousness scientists surveyed in 2022 said machines could be conscious or probably could be, while only 3% said they never could.
The opinion essay argues that certainty is misplaced because researchers still lack a settled account of what consciousness is or what physical basis it requires.
That uncertainty leaves room for theories that tie consciousness to functional organization rather than biology alone, making AI consciousness possible in principle.
The piece adds that consciousness in humans, animals or machines can only be inferred indirectly—from behavior, speech and other evidence—not observed directly.