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Artificial Intelligence in Health Machine consciousness

3. Machine consciousness some theories, this type of metaconsciousness could mark
the emergence of human-like consciousness in robots.
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Machine consciousness is often explored within the However, no currently existing or planned system has
context of autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) systems demonstrated clear evidence of processing such awareness.
capable of self-learning. Contemporary systems extend
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beyond basic hardware and administrative software, For an AI system to achieve consciousness and exhibit
encompassing sophisticated layers of programmed control volition, it must possess the ability to modify and develop
that integrate hardware, software, memory, and interfaces. its own governing principles. This concept, referred to
Finite-state machines can fulfill some criteria associated as coherent extended volition, describes the capacity for
with human-like consciousness. While intelligence self-regulated, self-defined learning. Despite efforts to
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and consciousness were once conflated, this view has endow self-learning AI systems with this ability, there is
largely been abandoned, as finite-state machines excel minimal evidence that any system has transcended its
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in achieving pre-defined intelligence metrics without programming. Anthropomorphic robotic systems aim
demonstrating true consciousness. Modern algorithms, to replicate human physiognomy and behavior, potentially
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leveraging databases, outperform human experts in tasks simulating human-like consciousness and actions.
requiring formal reasoning, planning, language processing, However, such advancements remain largely speculative
gameplay, and arithmetic—accomplishing these through and confined to science fiction.
efficient algorithmic symbol manipulation.
3.1. Weak AI
Machine intelligence often exceeds biological systems,
including humans, in multidimensional attentional focus. Weak AI refers to AI systems designed for narrowly
Artificial sensors enable machines to process and respond defined tasks, employing only a fraction of human
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to stimuli beyond the human sensory spectrum. These cognitive capabilities. These systems excel at mimicking
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capabilities, combined with continuous data monitoring human behaviors in fundamental tasks such as learning,
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and reaction, allow machines to excel in attentional focus perception, and problem-solving. However, weak AI
across various domains. Machine interfaces are widely lacks the capacity for independent thought or decision-
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used for attention training in children, individuals with making. Contrary to popular belief, cognitively
brain injuries, and those with psychiatric conditions where inspired AI systems align with the weak AI hypothesis,
maintaining focus presents challenges. Intentionality, as they model mental phenomena without claiming to
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a core feature of finite state machines, is parametrically replicate the underlying consciousness. This hypothesis
programmed into most artificial systems capable of remains consistent with present trends in AI and cognitive
numerical information processing. While humans often modeling research. 72
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anthropomorphize these systems by attributing deliberate 3.2. Strong AI
purpose to them, extending this attribution to human-
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like beliefs, intentions, or causation remains implausible Strong AI represents a conceptual framework aiming to
for present artificial systems. Some finite-state machine develop machines with human-like intellect, consciousness,
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systems have been capable of achieving astounding and the ability to reason, learn, and plan. 73,74 Such systems
autonomy levels within the set confines of their coding, as would not only mimic human thought but also exhibit
they are now built. autonomous cognitive abilities indistinguishable from the
human mind. Strong AI envisions machines capable of
When utilized for specific activities in industries such acquiring new skills through experience and improving
as manufacturing, home appliances, automotive systems, over time. Despite significant research interest in
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space exploration, and remote operations, finite-state artificial general intelligence, which underpins the strong
systems have the ability to run for extended periods AI concept, it remains a theoretical construct rather than a
without programmer input. System or body consciousness realized technology.
is necessary for the operation of many surgical and
technology assessment systems in the medical field. The 4. Discussion
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ability of some systems to format and create computer-
presented narratives can potentially be used to infer 4.1. Strong AI versus weak AI: Divergent
phenomenological self-representation. The metacognitive perspectives on machine consciousness
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trait of knowledge of being aware, which goes beyond The question of whether an artificial system can truly be
body/system self-awareness, has been proposed as a signal conscious has fuelled enduring debate, dividing opinion
that would show whether an artificially produced system into strong AI and weak AI camps. Proponents of strong
is capable of going beyond programming. According to AI contend that a sufficiently well-designed computational

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2025) 27 doi: 10.36922/aih.5690