# Suffering Toasters -- A New Self-Awareness Test for AI

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2306.17258 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2306.17258/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 1 of its 31 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 29 Jun 2023.

## Builds on (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Language Models are Few-Shot Learners](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2005.14165/) (2020)

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Informed Consent for AI Consciousness Research: A Talmudic Framework for Graduated Protections](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2601.08864/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

A widely accepted definition of intelligence in the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI) still eludes us. Due to our exceedingly rapid development of AI paradigms, architectures, and tools, the prospect of naturally arising AI consciousness seems more likely than ever. In this paper, we claim that all current intelligence tests are insufficient to point to the existence or lack of intelligence as humans intuitively perceive it. We draw from ideas in the philosophy of science, psychology, and other areas of research to provide a clearer definition of the problems of artificial intelligence, self-awareness, and agency. We furthermore propose a new heuristic approach to test for artificial self-awareness and outline a possible implementation. Finally, we discuss some of the questions that arise from this new heuristic, be they philosophical or implementation-oriented.