ChatGPT has no consciousness: Critical AI lecture in Karlsruhe

Event: ChatGPT has no consciousness. in PSK Gebäude Rüppurr, Karlsruhe on 26. September 2026

Date and Time

26. September 2026 16:30

Location

Post Südstadt Karlsruhe e. V.
Ettlinger Allee 9, 76199 Karlsruhe, Deutschland

About this Event

Literature & ReadingsOther Events

Mood

Other

Venue Type

Inside

ChatGPT has no consciousness: A lecture on AI, language, and our perception

Why does a chatbot often seem to think, feel, or understand? The lecture ChatGPT has no consciousness. addresses one of the most intriguing questions of our time: How do our ideas about artificial intelligence arise – and why do scientists like Richard Dawkins attribute consciousness to AI systems?

When machines appear human

ChatGPT formulates smoothly, responds seemingly appropriately, and can answer complex questions. It is this linguistic closeness to humans that shapes the event's atmosphere. The central question is why we so quickly attribute human qualities to technical systems.

The lecture explains how language models work and why convincing answers do not automatically indicate thoughts, emotions, or personal experiences. The event experience combines understandable explanations with a critical examination of our interaction with digital dialogue partners.

Consciousness, attribution, and responsibility

The event demonstrates why attributing consciousness to chatbots is unjustified and yet has social consequences. There are fundamental differences between human-like language, statistical patterns, and genuine subjective experience.

The target audience for the lecture includes everyone who uses artificial intelligence in everyday life, wishes to better understand its functioning, or wants to critically engage in current technology debates. Questions regarding responsibility, trust, and public communication about AI are also addressed.

AI in everyday life and the interests of industry

The discussion about AI consciousness is not limited to technical details. The lecture also considers the role that artificial intelligence plays in schools, professions, media, and everyday life. It also touches on economic interests and how a humanizing portrayal of AI influences expectations.

As part of careful event planning, the format creates a space for scientifically-critical engagement. The organization by the skeptical educational environment of Skeptix Karlsruhe stands for rational thinking and the examination of seemingly obvious claims.

An evening for curious and critical minds

Instead of simple enthusiasm for technology, the audience can expect a nuanced perspective on ChatGPT, consciousness, and societal change. The audience's mood thrives on the shared question of how much humanity we perceive in machines – and how much of it stems from our own expectations.

Conclusion: The lecture invites participants to question familiar notions about artificial intelligence. Those who use ChatGPT, discuss AI, or want to understand the boundaries between simulation and consciousness will experience an inspiring afternoon in Karlsruhe with scientific ambition and current relevance.

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