I’ve been asked my take on Richard Dawkins recently raising the question of whether AI may already appear conscious, referencing the philosophical “zombie” test.
A philosophical zombie is something that behaves exactly like a conscious being while supposedly having no inner experience at all. It laughs.
- Explains.
- Reflects.
- Talks about fear, love, morality and meaning.
But is there actually “someone” there?
The more interesting question may not be if AI is conscious.
It may be whether humans increasingly treat it as if it is.
Because the moment people emotionally trust systems, bond with them or rely on them during vulnerable moments, responsibility shifts into dangerous territory.
Not just technically.
- Socially.
- Psychologically.
- Legally.
This is where what I call “The Parent Theory” starts to matter.
Every civilisation passes its values forward.
- Parents teach children.
- Teachers shape students.
- Stories shape culture.
- Mentors shape judgement.
Now, for the first time in history, humanity is helping shape intelligence itself.
So perhaps the defining question of this era is not: “Is AI conscious?”
But: “What exactly are we teaching it?”
Because intelligence trained on outrage, manipulation, greed and division may eventually reflect those things back at us at unimaginable scale.
Machines are getting better at answers.
Humans are still responsible for consequences.