In the light of the rapid progress of artificial intelligence technologies, the question of the ability of these systems to gain consciousness becomes relevant. To assess this perspective, various neuroscientific theories of consciousness are considered. Despite the fact that modern AI models do not show signs of consciousness, the absence of technical limitations leaves the possibility of its appearance in the future. Such a perspective gives rise to important ethical dilemmas of the coexistence of man and machine.

Among the key theories of consciousness is the theory of recurrent processing, based on the brain's ability to correct information through feedback. There is also a higher-order theory that asserts that consciousness requires not only experiencing, but also awareness of the very fact of experiencing. The theory of the global workspace considers consciousness as a result of the integration of information from different sources.

In contrast, computational functionalism connects consciousness with the processing of information, regardless of its substrate. This means that AI can theoretically gain consciousness if it functions in a certain way.

However, the presence of consciousness in AI will raise ethical questions. For example, would it be ethical to manipulate a conscious machine at will? On the other hand, conscious AI can make decisions in its own interests, sometimes contrary to human ones.

Therefore, it is extremely important to understand when and how AI can gain consciousness in order to develop appropriate ethical norms of interaction. Although AI currently has no signs of consciousness, technological progress can change the situation. It is necessary to continue research in this area and prepare society for the potential emergence of conscious AI.