AI & consciousness 1/2: Clarifying the important term “information”

Can AI Develop Consciousness?
This question is on many people’s minds today — and opinions differ widely. One reason is that cognitive scientists as well as contemporary analytic philosophers often start from the assumption that consciousness is something mysterious or unexplained. Yet there are strong philosophical reasons to question this assumption: both phenomenology and metaphysical traditions such as Neoplatonism offer more precise ways of understanding consciousness.

A philosophically well-grounded definition that we discussed in the previous course states that consciousness is the activity of relating — to oneself (self-relation), and to something other (intentionality). Self-relation and intentionality are thus the conditions for conscious experience.

If AI were to become conscious, it would need, according to this definition, to have a relation to itself and to be intentional.

In his book „In Defense of the Human Being: Foundational Questions of an Embodied Anthropology“, Prof. Dr. Dr. Thomas Fuchs, University of Heidelberg, argues that AI will never become conscious — no matter how far technology advances. The reason: self-relation and intentionality cannot, in principle, be produced by algorithms. Together, we will read Chapter 1: “Human and Artificial Intelligence: A Clarification.” Here’s the text:
https://heibox.uni-heidelberg.de/f/a0375003fb57493e8a43/?dl=1https://heibox.uni-heidelberg.de/f/a0375003fb57493e8a43/?dl=1

Workshops @CHAPEL Raum für Stadtkultur Heidelberg.
Online participation possible (hybrid)

📍 21.6.2026, 10-12h AI and Consciousness: Clarifying the important term “information”

📍 19.7.2026 10-12h AI and Consciousness: Subjectivity and its Simulation

This is a paid event. Cost: €15–30 (pay what you choose, cash at the event)

Anna will conduct the workshop in an interactive way, making sure to make it engaging for everyone while also providing some inspiring input.
After the workshop we will be able to discuss further and socialise at our brunch.
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