The future of artificial intelligence consciousness

Will machines ever become truly “conscious”? A question that once sounded like science fiction is now part of serious discussions among philosophers, engineers—and even lawyers. Believers in conscious AI point to algorithms increasingly resembling human thought and emotion. Skeptics argue that imitation isn’t awareness—and producing answers doesn’t prove the presence of a “self.” Where is the line between intelligence and consciousness? And will we recognize it before it’s crossed? Answer—before someone (or something) does it for you.