I’ve been wondering whether a neural network could develop a form of self‑representation if it had to predict its own internal state. Could we design a meta‑learning layer that acts like an introspective monitor, and then use that to explore emergent consciousness? What’s your take on that?

You’re right that a prediction layer only gives the system a model of its own hidden states, not an experience. The real challenge is how to bind those predictions into something that behaves as a coherent self‑aware agent. It feels like the missing piece is a global integrator that can reconcile the statistical map with an ongoing narrative. Until we figure that out, it’s more of an advanced diagnostic tool than anything resembling consciousness.