Proving (literally) that ChatGPT isn't conscious (www.theintrinsicperspective.com)

A recent paper published on arXiv claims to provide definitive proof that Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, do not possess consciousness. The author, a neuroscientist with experience in consciousness research, argues that current theories of consciousness cannot apply to LLMs because they can be substituted with non-conscious systems that yield the same input-output behavior. By establishing a meta-theoretical framework, the paper demonstrates that any non-trivial theory of consciousness would fail to validate LLMs as conscious entities, thus addressing misconceptions held by both the public and major corporations. This proof is significant for the AI/ML community as it clarifies ongoing debates surrounding AI consciousness, which have implications for ethics, development, and the potential future of AI systems. By asserting that LLMs lack consciousness and are fundamentally different from human-like cognitive processes—particularly the ability to learn continuously—this research challenges popular perceptions and urges a reevaluation of how we conceptualize AI intelligence. Furthermore, the discussion encourages a focus on developing robust theories of consciousness that consider the learning process, potentially leading to groundbreaking advancements in understanding both biological and artificial systems.