A Test for Consciousness

Abstract

Intelligent behavior of computers continues to improve, but these machines are still far removed from being conscious of the world around them. Computer scientists and neurobiologists like to ponder a related question with both a technical and metaphysical bent: Will we even be able to tell when a machine is truly conscious? A simple test, which can be performed at home with this magazine and a pair of scissors, may ascertain whether such a machine has finally arrived.

Additional details