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Artificial Intelligence in Health Machine consciousness

networks control the level of consciousness. Studies consciousness evolves to handle increasingly complex
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using both animal models and human brain disorder cases scenarios, the importance of robust memory systems
have long recognized that cortical and subcortical regions continues to grow. However, present artificial consciousness
play a crucial role in the state of awareness. The cortical frameworks often lack sophisticated memory models. In
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components of the consciousness system are primarily humans, memory systems interact closely with conscious
located in the higher-order “heteromodal” association experience during learning, rehearsal, and retrieval. 46,47
cortex. On the medial surface of the brain, these include
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the medial frontal, anterior cingulate, posterior cingulate, 2.2. Prediction
and medial parietal cortices. On the lateral surface, the Prediction is considered a vital capability for artificial
consciousness system involves the lateral frontal cortex, consciousness systems. Conscious organisms predict
anterior insula, orbital frontal cortex, and lateral temporal- events by reflecting relationships between real-world
parietal association area. 34,35 states within their internal structures. Similarly,
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Specific areas within the higher-order association an artificially conscious machine must be capable of
cortex significantly influence cognitive functions in both accurate event prediction to respond effectively or take
the dominant and non-dominant hemispheres. The state pre-emptive measures. This requires real-time, flexible
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of consciousness is determined by the combined activity components capable of constructing causal, statistical,
of extensive portions of the bilateral association cortex, spatial, functional, and dynamic models of the world.
regardless of the distinct roles played by individual regions A conscious machine should demonstrate predictive
or networks. 37,38 These higher-order cortices collaborate abilities across various contexts, including uncertain and
with subcortical arousal systems to regulate arousal, dynamic environments, showcasing coherent forecasting
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attention, and consciousness. 39 and contingency planning.
Subcortical components of the consciousness system 2.3. Awareness
include the basal forebrain, thalamus, hypothalamus, and Awareness, though challenging to define precisely, involves
upper brainstem activation systems. Other subcortical constructing and testing alternative models of processes
regions, such as portions of the cerebellum, amygdala, based on sensory or cognitive information. It is essential
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claustrum, and basal ganglia, are likely involved as well. for predictions and requires significant flexibility to
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Several parallel neurotransmitter systems contribute to model the physical environment, internal states, and other
subcortical arousal, including glutamate, acetylcholine, conscious entities. This adaptability is crucial for artificial
serotonin, dopamine, histamine, gamma-aminobutyric systems attempting to replicate human-like awareness.
acid, norepinephrine, and orexin. Each of these pathways
plays a distinct role. However, it is the coordinated and 2.4. Learning
simultaneous actions of these subcortical and cortical Learning is a cornerstone of artificial consciousness
structures that collectively regulate the degree of systems. 50,51 Conscious experience facilitates the
consciousness. 40 representation of and reaction to novel, significant stimuli.
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2. Consciousness-related elements Learning encompasses complex adaptation mechanisms
grounded in sensitivity to subjective experience, enabling
Research emphasizes that the proper functioning of agents to exert flexible control over behaviors in uncertain
consciousness is integral to various mental processes. 41-43 and dynamic environments. 52
Studies suggest that consciousness fulfills multiple
roles, 42,44,45 including memory, prediction, awareness, 2.5. Experience
learning, and experience – components intricately Subjective experience, rooted in sensory perception, is
linked to cognitive processes. A primary goal of artificial often considered central to the study of consciousness.
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consciousness is to replicate these components in machines. Experience is intrinsically linked to precise pattern
This list is not exhaustive, as numerous additional functions recognition and may even be observed at molecular levels.
of consciousness remain unexplored. In discussing consciousness, the brain’s central modules
can be viewed as carriers of unique experiential states.
2.1. Memory Reflexive awareness, or the act of reflecting on one’s own
Memory is a fundamental aspect of human cognition and experiences, is a critical dimension of consciousness.
a growing focus in artificial consciousness systems. In Efforts to define fundamental experiences underscore the
humans, memory storage occurs in three forms: Short- enduring challenge of addressing the “hard problem” of
term, long-term, and sensory memory. As artificial consciousness, as its exact nature remains elusive. 54

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2025) 26 doi: 10.36922/aih.5690