From Simulation to Sentience

This chapter examines the complex relationship between simulation and sentience in computational consciousness, addressing the central issue of the explanatory gap that separates functional intelligence from subjective experience. It explores philosophical foundations, including the hard problem of consciousness, and evaluates computational models such as symbolic AI, neural networks, and embodied agents. The discussion integrates key theories of consciousness—Integrated Information Theory, Global Workspace Theory, and predictive processing—while assessing their relevance to artificial systems. Ethical and epistemological challenges are analyzed, including verification of machine sentience, anthropomorphism, and societal responsibilities.