Section 1.1: Defining Consciousness

In the scientific realm, clarity of definition is crucial. Without precise definitions, the understanding of our objectives and measurement methodologies falters, leading to erroneous conclusions. Yet, consciousness is notably elusive and resists simple categorization. The debate surrounding its essence is extensive, with countless interpretations put forth by philosophers and researchers alike.

A prominent perspective, offered by cognitive neuroscientist Stanislas Dehaene, divides consciousness into two categories: C1 (global availability) and C2 (self-monitoring). C1 refers to our awareness of particular thoughts and the ability to access necessary information for decision-making, such as choosing where to eat or assessing trustworthiness.

From an evolutionary standpoint, C1 emerged to help humans manage the overwhelming influx of sensory information—a situation that is increasingly relevant in today's data-saturated world. This form of consciousness likely evolved alongside the prefrontal cortex, enabling humans and primates to focus their attention and avert information overload.

On the other hand, C2 consciousness encompasses self-monitoring or meta-cognition, allowing us to think about our thoughts, judgments, and decisions. This self-regulation is essential for controlling behavior rather than merely reacting instinctively, a trait that distinguishes humans from many other species. The prefrontal cortex's role in this process is evident when comparing it to non-human animals, highlighting our superior meta-cognitive abilities.

Without this self-monitoring capability, human consciousness is more susceptible to errors, such as misjudgments and hallucinations associated with conditions like schizophrenia.

Yet, C1 and C2 alone do not fully encapsulate the aspects of consciousness, particularly personal reflection—an act that integrates both types. For instance, speaking involves C1 dictating content while C2 ensures coherence, preventing digressions. Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD often struggle with this balance due to deficits in their C2 function.

The integration of C1 and C2 is key to understanding all behaviors we associate with consciousness.

Section 1.2: AI and Strategic Thinking

Let's rewind to 1997, when the renowned AI Deep Blue faced off against chess Grandmaster Garry Kasparov in a six-game rematch. Chess has long been an ideal testing ground for AI development due to its structured rules and infinite game possibilities. Prior chess engines relied on evaluating every potential move several turns ahead to select the most favorable outcomes.

However, the exponential increase in potential moves made thorough calculations impractical beyond a certain point. This approach worked adequately until the advent of AlphaZero, a revolutionary chess AI that learned through self-play rather than traditional strategies.

AlphaZero developed a unique playing style resembling human intuition by engaging in countless self-matches. The researchers behind AlphaZero equipped it with a framework for value judgments, allowing it to prioritize promising strategies over exhaustive calculations. This shift toward value-driven intelligence marked a new era in AI, enabling models to outperform older systems with significantly less computational power.

Today, we find ourselves facing challenges reminiscent of Deep Blue's era, except this time across various industries reliant on AI. With a vast influx of data, the challenge lies in discerning actionable insights from the overwhelming noise, leading to decision paralysis.

To overcome this hurdle, AI requires a form of consciousness that enables it to navigate information overload. Such self-awareness would empower AI to make informed decisions rather than following rigid programming.

This conscious capability would also facilitate self-reflection in AI, enabling continuous improvement similar to human metacognition. Ultimately, a conscious AI could perceive and respond to its environment, understanding subjective experiences in a way that informs its decision-making processes.