The Limits to Machine Consciousness

Consciousness, particularly subjective awareness, is not computable and cannot be replicated by machines. The authors argue that consciousness is more than an epiphenomenon and that treating it as a separate category is consistent with both quantum mechanics and cognitive science. They distinguish between two kinds of consciousness, little-C and big-C, and use this classification to analyze current academic debates. The interaction between a system and the experimenter's measuring apparatus is examined through decoherence and the quantum Zeno effect. These ideas frame the discussion of limits to machine consciousness.

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Abstract

It is generally accepted that machines can replicate cognitive tasks performed by conscious agents as long as they are not based on the capacity of awareness. We consider several views on the nature of subjective awareness, which is fundamental for self-reflection and review, and present reasons why this property is not computable. We argue that consciousness is more than an epiphenomenon and assuming it to be a separate category is consistent with both quantum mechanics and cognitive science. We speak of two kinds of consciousness, little-C and big-C, and discuss the significance of this classification in analyzing the current academic debates in the field. The interaction between the system and the measuring apparatus of the experimenter is examined both from the perspectives of decoherence and the quantum Zeno effect. These ideas are used as context to address the question of limits to machine consciousness.