health
Could AIs become conscious?
MOST PEOPLE believe humans are different. The reason is that Homo sapiens has evolved to be conscious. Many animals feel pain and pleasure; some appear to be self-aware. But the human mind’s unique potential to exhibit a sense of self marks out every member of the species for special treatment.

TL;DR
- Humans are believed to be distinct from other species.
- The reason for this distinction is the evolution of consciousness in *Homo sapiens*.
- While animals can feel pain and pleasure and some show self-awareness, the human mind has a unique potential.
- This unique potential is the ability to exhibit a sense of self.
- The human sense of self is why every member of the species is considered deserving of special treatment.