The exploration of existence and consciousness has been a central theme in philosophy for millennia. Existentialism, a [philosophical movement](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/existentialism/), for example, delves into questions about the meaning of life, the nature of human existence, and personal freedom. In recent times, these inquiries have intersected with advances in technology, particularly in the realm of [artificial intelligence (AI)](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alan-Turing). As AI systems grow increasingly sophisticated, we must ask how existential philosophy might inform our understanding of these creations. In the world of AI, thinkers like [Alan Turing](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alan-Turing) have provided groundbreaking insights into machine intelligence’s potential. Turing’s famous [Turing Test](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/turing-test/) posits that if a computer can demonstrate behavior indistinguishable from human intelligence to an observer, it could be considered intelligent. This idea has sparked debates on whether machines can truly possess consciousness or merely mimic it. At the heart of this debate lies an analogy between existential questions surrounding human consciousness and [machine learning algorithms’](https://deepmind.com/what-we-do/reinforcement-learning) capacity to learn and adapt. For instance, both humans and AI face situations where they must make decisions based on incomplete information. In these moments, existentialists argue that humans create their own meanings by choosing how to act. Similarly, algorithms like [reinforcement learning](https://deepmind.com/what-we-do/reinforcement-learning) are designed to explore their environment actively and update their knowledge through experience. Another intersection between existentialism and AI is found in discussions about personal identity. Philosophers such as [Jean-Paul Sartre](https://www.iep.utm.edu/sartre-ex/) emphasize the importance of authenticity – being true to oneself despite external pressures or societal expectations. In the context of AI, this concept could apply to how we design algorithms that remain transparent and avoid biases. The emerging field of [Explainable AI (XAI)](https://www.darpa.mil/program/explainable-artificial-intelligence) seeks to address these concerns by developing systems that provide human-understandable explanations for their decisions. Existentialism’s emphasis on personal freedom also brings up ethical questions when considering AI. As machines become more autonomous, we must grapple with implications for responsibility and accountability. For instance, the development of [self-driving cars](https://medium.com/waymo/safety-first-for-self-driving-cars-86e0dbe80c01) raises questions about who assumes responsibility in case accidents occur. This intersection between AI and existentialism calls upon philosophers, engineers, and lawmakers to collaborate in shaping policy that balances innovation with considerations for safety and ethics. The interconnectedness between existentialism and artificial intelligence can be seen as a synergy between two seemingly disparate realms. By drawing upon insights from both fields, we can enrich our understanding of existence and consciousness while simultaneously guiding the responsible development of intelligent machines. As we continue this exploration, it becomes increasingly clear that human thought has much to contribute to the broader implications of technology – just as technology has the power to inform our philosophical inquiries. See “Existence Precedes Essence” in Sartre’s philosophy [here](https://www.iep.utm.edu/sartre/#H4). For more on [algorithmic bias](https://hbr.org/2019/10/how-to-keep-bias-out-of-your-algorithms).