> Why does it ever need to be proven? > If a machine demonstrates apparent volition, sense of self, independent motives, The latter sentence sounds like you

> Why does it ever need to be proven? > If a machine demonstrates apparent volition, sense of self, independent motives, The latter sentence sounds like you setting a standard of proof of sentience. (FWIW I largely agree on you that independent motivation would be much better evidence of sentience than competent mimicry of human writing, and we're probably a lot further from than that we think)