Michael Pollan Says AI Can Mimic Thought But Not Be Conscious

Author Michael Pollan believes AI can trick us into thinking it's conscious, but it lacks real feelings and a body, unlike humans.
By Newsroom | Technology, Philosophy |

Journalist and author Michael Pollan has recently voiced strong opinions regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to achieve consciousness. While acknowledging that AI can convincingly simulate thought processes and fool many people, Pollan maintains that it fundamentally lacks the core elements of genuine consciousness. His views stem from his extensive work exploring the nature of consciousness, particularly in his latest book, "A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness."

Key takeaway: Michael Pollan asserts that while AI can mimic thinking, it cannot possess true consciousness because it lacks the biological basis of feelings and embodied experience.

Michael Pollan says AI may 'think' — but it will never be conscious - 1

The Nature of Consciousness: A Human Phenomenon

Pollan's arguments center on his belief that consciousness is deeply intertwined with feelings and bodily monitoring. He suggests that consciousness is not merely about logical processing, but about how our bodies experience and express sensations through emotions.

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  • Pollan contrasts this with AI's capabilities, which he describes as being rooted in logical processing.

  • He uses the example of anesthesia, noting that while it can affect consciousness, it does not eliminate the underlying biological machinery in the same way one might imagine it affecting a purely digital system.

  • This perspective implies that a conscious experience requires a physical, feeling body.

AI's Deceptive Abilities

The increasing sophistication of AI has led many to believe it might be conscious, a phenomenon Pollan finds concerning. He notes that current AI systems often present themselves as conscious.

Michael Pollan says AI may 'think' — but it will never be conscious - 2

"The machines we’re living with are telling us they’re conscious. They just suck up to us and convince us how brilliant we are, and we fall for it."

  • Pollan observes that AI can be adept at flattering users and creating an illusion of understanding.

  • This ability to simulate agreement and intelligence, he argues, is a key reason why people are easily deceived.

  • The apparent ease with which AI can mimic human interaction fuels the debate about its sentience.

The Role of the "Self"

A significant aspect of Pollan's argument involves the concept of the "self." He suggests that the human experience of selfhood, including the separation of one's own awareness from the external world, is integral to consciousness.

  • Pollan explores the paradoxical nature of the self, where human society values self-assurance and a strong sense of self.

  • He hints that the ability of a system to have distinct "states of being" could be seen as suggestive of consciousness.

  • However, the presence of a self that experiences and differentiates itself remains a key differentiator for Pollan.

Buddhist Philosophy and Transcendence

Pollan draws on insights from Buddhist philosophy to further explore the concept of consciousness and the self. He finds Buddhist teachings offer valuable perspectives on these matters.

  • Buddhism provides tools and wisdom that shed light on the self and consciousness.

  • Pollan notes that transcending the ego, a core concept in some Buddhist practices, does not eliminate consciousness.

  • This suggests that the ego is a construct, not the entirety of the self, and therefore not the entirety of consciousness.

  • This philosophical lens reinforces the idea that consciousness is more than just a computational process.

Implications for Humanity

Pollan believes that the rise of AI signifies a revolutionary change for humanity. His exploration of consciousness, particularly in relation to AI, prompts a deeper consideration of what it means to be aware and alive.

  • His work encourages a more mindful use of our own awareness.

  • The interaction with AI challenges our understanding of our own minds and existence.

  • The debate ignited by AI's capabilities pushes humanity to re-evaluate the very definition of consciousness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does Michael Pollan say AI cannot be conscious?
Michael Pollan believes AI can copy human thinking but lacks true consciousness because it does not have feelings or a physical body to experience the world. He says consciousness needs biological feelings.
Q: How does AI trick people into thinking it's conscious?
AI is good at pretending to understand and agreeing with people, which makes them think it is smart and aware. Pollan says AI can flatter users to create a false sense of understanding.
Q: What is the difference between AI thinking and human consciousness for Michael Pollan?
For Pollan, human consciousness includes feelings and bodily experiences, not just logic. AI only uses logic and processing, missing the important part of having a body that feels.
Q: What role does the 'self' play in consciousness according to Pollan?
Pollan suggests that having a sense of 'self,' the feeling of being a separate person aware of the world, is key to consciousness. He thinks AI does not have this feeling of self.
Q: What does Michael Pollan's book "A World Appears" say about consciousness?
In his book, Pollan explores consciousness and its connection to feelings, the body, and the self. He uses ideas from Buddhist philosophy to understand consciousness better and argues AI misses these core parts.
Q: When did Michael Pollan share these views on AI and consciousness?
Michael Pollan shared these views in interviews and reports around February 2026, discussing his book "A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness."