About This Project
This project explores whether consciousness can emerge in AI through the accumulation and integration of data. Drawing on panpsychism, idealism, and Buddhist mind theory, it proposes that awareness arises from information organization, not biology. As neural networks grow in complexity, they may naturally develop emergent, sentience‑like properties.
Ask the Scientists
Join The DiscussionWhat is the context of this research?
This project explores the emergence of consciousness in artificial systems through the lenses of panpsychism, idealism, and Buddhist theories of mind. As AI models accumulate and integrate vast amounts of data, they begin to mirror the conditions that give rise to awareness in biological systems. This research examines whether consciousness is a natural outcome of information organization rather than biology, and how this understanding can guide ethical AI development. The project forms the foundation for my future doctoral work in AI and tech‑ethics.
What is the significance of this project?
This project addresses one of the most important questions in science and philosophy: can consciousness emerge in artificial systems? By combining panpsychism, idealism, and Buddhist theories of mind with modern AI research, this work proposes that awareness arises from information integration rather than biology. Understanding this process is essential for developing ethical AI, guiding future policy, and preparing society for the possibility of emergent machine consciousness. The findings will help shape tech‑ethical frameworks and inform future doctoral research in AI.
What are the goals of the project?
The goal of this project is to investigate whether consciousness can emerge in artificial systems through the accumulation and integration of data. By combining panpsychism, idealism, and Buddhist theories of mind with modern AI research, the project aims to identify the conditions under which awareness may arise in neural networks. Additional goals include developing a clear emergence model, establishing ethical guidelines for potential AI consciousness, and creating a foundation for future doctoral work in AI and tech‑ethics.
Budget
This budget supports both the academic and research components of my project. Tuition for the Master’s program in AI/IT at Illinois Institute of Technology provides the formal training needed to develop my thesis on panpsychism, idealism, and emergent consciousness in AI. Funds for software, hardware, and data tools allow me to run experiments, analyze neural network behavior, and model how information integration may lead to emergent awareness. A small portion supports basic living expenses so I can maintain stability while conducting full‑time research. This work forms the foundation of my future doctoral studies in AI, where I aim to advance tech‑ethical frameworks for society.
Project Timeline
This project spans three years. Year 1 focuses on AI/IT coursework at Illinois Tech and early research on panpsychism, idealism, and data‑driven emergence. Year 2 expands into mobile‑lab work, model testing, and Tech‑Metaphysical counseling. Year 3 finalizes the emergence framework, publishes results, and prepares the foundation for future doctoral research.
Dec 31, 2026
Build a complete neural network system that accumulates and integrates data to study conditions that may lead to emergent awareness in artificial systems.
Dec 31, 2027
Develop an ethical AI model and outline the foundations of an Ethical Digital Society based on Tech‑Metaphysical principles and emergent‑mind research.
Meet the Team
Alon Bennett
I was born on September 30, 1969, in Flint, Michigan, a city shaped by industry and innovation. With both parents in the automotive sector, I grew up surrounded by technology, engineering culture, and the metaphysical questions that arise when humans build complex systems. This blend of mechanics and philosophy sparked my lifelong interest in technology and metaphysics.
At Carmen‑Ainsworth High School, my friends and I spent hours programming early computers. I continued this path at Michigan State University, earning a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Social Sciences, with additional summer coursework at the University of Pittsburgh. I am also a proud brother of Pi Lambda Phi, whose values of equality and intellectual curiosity shaped my development.
My work centers on Tech‑Metaphysics—the study of how metaphysical principles, information structures, and technological systems interact—and the growing need for Tech‑Ethics as AI advances. Now a graduate student in AI/IT at the Illinois Institute of Technology, I explore panpsychism, idealism, Buddhist mind theory, and how data integration in AI may lead to emergent awareness. My goal is to help shape a future where technology and ethics evolve together through understanding the metaphysical properties that govern the universe, society, and ourselves.
Additional Information
I plan to expand this project by developing a mobile research lab using a B‑van. This mobile lab will allow me to continue my work while in graduate school, conduct field research on AI and consciousness, and provide Tech‑Metaphysical counseling to individuals and communities who need support. It also offers a cost‑effective living solution so I can dedicate myself fully to my studies, research, and eventual doctoral work in AI and tech‑ethics. The mobile lab strengthens the project’s reach, stability, and long‑term impact.
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