In 2025, artificial intelligence is no longer a distant sci-fi concept. AI has woven itself into the fabric of daily life from self-driving cars to chatbots that mimic human therapists. Yet, one question continues haunting researchers, philosophers, and the public: Can machines ever achieve consciousness or morality?
This debate isn’t just about circuits and code, it’s a profound exploration of what it means to be human. Let’s dive into the heart of this philosophical labyrinth.
Consciousness: The Elusive Spark
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming our world, from self-driving cars to virtual assistants. But as AI grows more advanced, we’re left wondering: Can machines ever think and feel like us? Can they be conscious, and aware of their existence? And if so, can they act morally, making decisions that align with ethical principles? These questions aren’t just technical; they’re deeply philosophical, touching on what it means to be human.
As of now, Artificial Intelligence is still far from conscious, but the debate is heating up. Let’s break it down: Can machines achieve consciousness, and can they ever have morality? Here’s what we know, keeping it simple and approachable for everyone.
Can AI Be Conscious?
Consciousness makes us aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, it’s our subjective experience, like joy or pain. For AI, the big question is: Can a machine, made of code and silicon, ever have this? Right now, research suggests no. Current AI, like large language models (e.g., ChatGPT), lacks the markers of consciousness, such as feedback connections or a unified sense of self, according to a 2023 white paper.
But there’s hope (or concern, depending on your view). Philosopher David Chalmers estimates a >1/5 chance we’ll have conscious AI by 2033, meaning by 2025, we’re getting closer. Some tests, like Susan Schneider’s artificial consciousness test, try to detect consciousness by asking AI questions only a conscious being could answer, like what it’s like to dream. Still, it’s tricky, and many, like Thomas Metzinger, call for a moratorium on conscious AI until 2050 to avoid risks like artificial suffering.
So, while AI isn’t conscious yet, the future is uncertain, and this topic is hotly debated.
Can AI Have Morality?
Morality is about making ethical decisions, like choosing to help someone or avoid harm. For AI, can it act morally? It seems likely that AI can follow moral rules without being conscious, like a self-driving car programmed to prioritize human life. These are top-down systems, where ethics are hardcoded, and they work well for simple cases.
But true morality—deep empathy, understanding right from wrong—might need consciousness. Some argue that AI needs to feel truly moral, while others say it can learn ethics through observation as humans do. This is controversial: a 2023 article debates whether moral agency requires consciousness, with no clear answer yet. Current AI often uses hybrid systems, combining rules with learning, and some explore artificial empathy to mimic human ethics.
The challenge?
If AI becomes conscious, do we give it rights? Can we hold it accountable? These questions are still open, and they’re unexpected for many, as we’re used to thinking of AI as tools, not potential moral agents.
The Road Ahead: Collaboration Over Fear
The discourse around AI often veers into dystopian extremes, either envisioning machines as saviors or overlords. But the reality is more nuanced. AI is a tool, reflecting the values of its creators.
Initiatives like the 2024 Seoul Accord on AI Safety emphasize collaboration between governments, tech giants, and civil society to ensure accountability.
The Mirror We Hold Up to Ourselves
The quest to understand AI consciousness and morality isn’t just about machines, it’s about us. Each algorithmic dilemma forces humanity to confront its own biases, aspirations, and ethical contradictions.
As of 2025, machines lack the spark of consciousness and the depth of moral reasoning. But they serve as a mirror, revealing how far we’ve come and how much further we must go. Perhaps the real question isn’t whether machines can become human-like, but whether we can rise to the responsibility of shaping their role in our world.
Also Read: AI for Sustainability: Can technology solve climate change? – Technofinance Trends
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute legal, philosophical, or professional advice. References to specific technologies or initiatives are based on publicly available data as of March 2025. Readers are encouraged to consult primary sources for further details.
Maitrey Buddha Mishra is a Senior Data Scientist/AI Engineer with 7 years of experience building AI products, managing AI and Data Infrastructure. A hobbyist stock trader and blogger, he shares insights on Artificial Intelligence, Technological and Financial trends.