Ghost in the Machine: Examining the Philosophical Implications of Recursive Algorithms in Artificial Intelligence Systems
arXiv Preprint Archive June 18, 2025 Llewellin Rg Jegels
Deep recursion, meta-learning, and self-referential mechanisms in contemporary AI architectures do not provide evidence of machine consciousness. Recursive self-referential design enhances capability but does not entail subjective experience or justify moral status. Distinguishing functional from phenomenal consciousness, the paper argues that symbol grounding, embodiment, and affective qualia remain unresolved barriers to attributing sentience to current AI. Ethical analysis explores risks of premature anthropomorphism versus neglect of future sentient systems; legal implications include personhood, liability, authorship, and labor impacts. The study reframes the 'hard problem' as a graded and increasingly testable phenomenon rather than a metaphysical impasse.