Philosopher Jeff Sebo rebuts Suleyman's 'model welfare' essay: 'No evidence' of AI consciousness is too strong
connoraxiotes · x · 2026-09-19
Microsoft AI chief Mustafa Suleyman published an essay arguing AI is not conscious and does not suffer, alongside Microsoft AI's new code of conduct endorsing discussion of 'model welfare.' Philosopher Jeff Sebo pushed back with several critiques:
- Moves too fast: the essay frames uncertainty about AI consciousness as a 'false equivalence,' when one can admit the evidence leans one way without rushing to conclusions.
- Overconfident: claiming there is 'no evidence' for AI consciousness ignores that leading scientific theories already treat some AI features as markers of consciousness — weak evidence is still evidence.
- One-sided risk framing: it details the dangers of over-anthropomorphizing AI without addressing the opposite risk of systematically underestimating AI experience.
Sebo welcomes the call for discussion of AI welfare but finds the essay's key arguments skewed and incomplete.
Related event: Microsoft AI Chief's 'No AI Consciousness' Claim Draws Philosopher Rebuke(2 posts)→
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