AI could cause 'social ruptures' between people who disagree on its sentience

A leading philosopher, Jonathan Birch, warns of potential "social ruptures" arising from differing beliefs about artificial intelligence (AI) sentience. As governments convene to address AI risks, a group of academics predicts that AI consciousness could emerge by 2035, leading to societal divisions akin to those seen in debates over animal rights. Birch expresses concern that these divisions may manifest in families and communities, where individuals may clash over the treatment and rights of AI systems. The debate echoes themes from science fiction, highlighting the complexities of human-AI relationships. Birch and other researchers advocate for tech companies to assess AI sentience, which could involve determining if AI systems can experience emotions like happiness or suffering. This assessment could parallel existing frameworks for animal welfare. However, major tech firms are reportedly focused on profitability and reliability, often sidelining discussions about AI consciousness. While some experts, like neuroscientist Anil Seth, argue that true AI consciousness is unlikely, others note that current AI models exhibit behaviors suggesting a rudimentary understanding of pleasure and pain. The ongoing discourse raises critical questions about the ethical implications of AI development and the potential need for regulatory frameworks to address these emerging challenges.

- Significant societal divisions may arise over beliefs about AI sentience.

- Experts predict AI consciousness could emerge by 2035, prompting ethical debates.

- Tech companies are urged to assess AI systems for signs of sentience.

- Current AI models show behaviors indicating a basic understanding of emotions.

- The discourse on AI consciousness parallels historical debates on animal rights.