Ok fair. It is not the entire limbic system that is gone in those patients.

Search “Urbach-Wiethe disease.”

As far as I can tell, we haven’t been able to prove that brain complexity = consciousness. Meaning, there is more to consciousness than the complexity of a neural network.

Take a look at Donald Hoffman’s work regarding consciousness. He proposes that consciousness is the only fundamental part of reality, and all of our perception is a simplified tool created through evolution. “Fitness beats truth,” so to speak.

I disagree with the article. I don’t think our limbic system is necessary for consciousness. I’m fact, it’s incredibly rare, but some humans have been born without a limbic system and are still conscious. I also disagree that consciousness requires some external sensory input. First of all, the AI is getting input through text. And second of all, look at humans with “locked in syndrome,” they cannot feel, or speak, or interact with the world, but we know they are still conscious.

I do wonder if AI can become conscious. We don’t understand consciousness, but we seem to be able to create new consciousness in human beings. I don’t think a physical body with sensory inputs is necessary for consciousness, and if it is, then it’s just a matter of time.