The science of consciousness: Could a conscious AI exist? - with Anil Seth

Neuroscientist Anil Seth explores the scientific underlying of consciousness, and whether AI could ever develop consciousness.

Listen time: 39:58
Gerd Altmann via Pixabay

The science of consciousness is a complex and constantly evolving field of research. Neuroscientists are still understanding how it originates in humans, but the question now arises of whether Artificial Intelligence could ever become conscious. Cognitive and computational neuroscientist Anil Seth discusses the current theories for consciousness, and the probability of AI ever becoming conscious, in his essay 'the mythology of conscious AI' which won him the 2025 Berggruen Prize Essay Competition. 

Read Anil's winning essay here.

Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! 

Producer and presenter: Lia Hale

Assistant producer: Georgina Gonzalez and Freddie Rodgers

Music: Joseph Sandy 

Topic

Brain