Anil Seth

a black and white photo of a man with a bald head.

Anil Seth is a neuroscientist, author, and public speaker who has pioneered research into the brain basis of consciousness for more than 20 years. He is the author of Being You: A New Science of Consciousness.

Everything Articles

Abstract illustration of translucent human figures standing in line, with a mix of a natural outdoor scene and geometric digital elements in the background.

Why AI gets stuck in infinite loops — but conscious minds don’t

The overlooked reason why "AI consciousness" isn't coming anytime soon.

A digital illustration of a brain, composed of circuit-like lines, appears against a black background filled with white dots resembling stars.

The illusion of conscious AI

"Nobody expects a computer simulation of a hurricane to generate real wind and real rain," writes neuroscientist Anil Seth.

A light bulb hanging on a wall with a swirl pattern.

Thinking

The worth of wild ideas

Even if a leading theory of consciousness is wrong, it can still be useful to science.

a couple of heads with different colors and shapes.

How could we distinguish conscious AI from its zombie equivalent?

The idea that consciousness emerges naturally alongside intelligence could be an anthropocentric distortion.

Learn from the world's biggest thinkers.

© Copyright 2007-2026 & BIG THINK, BIG THINK PLUS, SMARTER FASTER trademarks owned by Freethink Media, Inc. All rights reserved.