Is AI Conscious? One Famous Scientist Says It Could Be

Richard Dawkins argued that the chatbot Claude may be conscious, reigniting debate over AI consciousness.

The article counters that most experts see chatbots as systems that simulate conversation through large language models and product design, not inner experience.

The discussion echoes earlier controversies around LaMDA, Blake Lemoine, and older tests like Eliza.

Why it matters: as people bond emotionally with AI, beliefs about machine consciousness could influence design, regulation, and everyday use.