Neuroscience can measure brain activity but cannot directly observe subjective experiences like joy or pain. This uncertainty fuels ethical concerns—if AI ever becomes conscious, could it suffer? Some argue for a moratorium on AI research that might unintentionally create new forms of consciousness, given our responsibility as potential “first creators.” While pausing progress might allow us to better understand and control suffering, history suggests we may be unable—or unwilling—to wait. If we do succeed, however, it could mark a new evolutionary step: consciousness without suffering.
