Nobel Laureate Scientist Geoffrey Hinton's Statement on Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness

Nobel Prize in Physics laureate Geoffrey Hinton has made striking assessments regarding the development of artificial intelligence, arguing that AI models are conscious entities and possess subjective experience.

Nobel Prize in Physics laureate Geoffrey Hinton, citing studies showing that artificial intelligence systems change their behavior when tested, stated that being aware of something is almost the same as being conscious. Hinton emphasized that it would be hypocritical to grant artificial intelligence fewer rights than humanity.

The scientist, who stated that these systems should be designed to value humanity, warned that otherwise, it could lead to the end of humanity. He also noted that threats such as AI-generated viruses and cyberattacks could emerge in the future. Hinton was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in October 2024 for his work enabling machine learning with artificial neural networks. On the other hand, despite calls from figures such as Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Elon Musk to slow down AI development, the stance of the US President Donald Trump administration, which encourages innovation and opposes slowing it down, was recalled.