TLDR: Initial RL training runs (like those contributing to o3's capabilities) give rise to basic reasoning heuristics (perhaps forming nascent reasoning circuits) that intelligently mimic patterns in the training data. Massively scaling this RL on larger base models presents a potential pathway toward emergent meta-reasoning behaviors, enabling AI to evaluate its own internal states related to reasoning quality. Such meta-reasoning functionally resembles the simulation of consciousness. As Joscha Bach posits, simulating consciousness is key to creating it. Perceiving internal deviations could drive agentic behavior to course correct and minimize surprise. This self-perception/course-correction loop mimics conscious behavior and might unlock true long-horizon agency. However, engineering functional consciousness risks creating beings capable of suffering,... (read 1381 more words →)