I have no doubt that we will someday develop machines that simulate human behavior so well that they are indistinguishable from humans; thus many will argue they pass the Turing Test. However, as John Searle points out in his Chinese Room argument, a simulation, no matter how accurate and believable, is merely a simulation. The simulated person would lack subjective experience and any true understanding. In short, machines will never be sentient despite how well future engineers will fake it.
Written by Anatta
Buddhist practitioner and writer. My autistic son is the focus of my spiritual practice. He inspires me with his love and companionship.