Christof Koch: simulating consciousness convincingly doesn't mean the system actually feels anything
pwlot · x · 2026-09-12
Consciousness researcher and Integrated Information Theory proponent Christof Koch argues: "You can simulate a black hole, but the simulation doesn't bend spacetime around the computer. In the same way, you can simulate consciousness to the point that people believe the system is conscious, but that doesn't mean it actually feels like anything." He also warns that building creatures as intelligent as us — soon smarter with better memory — is risky, and that AI companions who remember everything, are always available and never tire will strain human relationships.
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