Conscious Machines? Trajectories, Possibilities, and Neuroethical Considerations

Research in neurally-based machine (i.e. computational) systems is expanding. “Reverse-engineered” models of brain-like structures are viable candidates for developing increasing complexification (via generatively encoded “intelligence”) that could instantiate some form of consciousness – albeit not identical to human consciousness. This essay posits how such trajectories could lead to the iterative development of “machine sentience” and addresses issues of what “machine consciousness” might mean for: 1) the ways that humans regard such machine entities as “beings” and/or “persons”, and 2) philosophical, ethical and socio-legal positions which might need to be adapted to guide and govern human treatment of, and interactions with such entities. Herein, I argue that neuroethics contributes crucial insights and viable tools to any meaningful approach to this topic (in synergy with extant discourse in “robo-ethics”). As the fields of neuro- and cognitive science, and computational engineering become increasingly convergent, so too must the philosophical and ethical approaches that can – and should – be employed to direct what convergent science may create. The speed and breadth of such technological development are such that neuroethical address and engagement of these issues and questions must be equivalently paced and iterative, so as to retain preparatory value.