Assessing Sentience in Artificial Intelligence: A Structured Literature Review of Theories, Indicators, and Evaluation Frameworks (2020–2025)

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved from a specialised field of computing into a vital part of how we generate knowledge, make decisions, and address ethical issues (OpenAI 2025). As these developments occur rapidly, progress in self-reflective and adaptive AI has amplified debates about whether machines can have consciousness in business, science, and academia. To provide clarity on navigating this complex area, this review looks at ways to detect signs of consciousness in artificial systems. Specifically, from 2020 to 2025, three primary trends have influenced research on artificial consciousness, establishing the context for this review.