This talk will critically examine these perspectives, discussing whether AI is on the trajectory toward human-like cognition or if there are fundamental barriers that limit computational models from replicating consciousness. Ultimately, we will explore whether the rapid advancement of AI is moving us closer to AGI or highlighting the limits of algorithmic intelligence.

Professor John Abela is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Information Systems at the University of Malta. He holds a B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. from the University of New Brunswick, and is a member of both IEEE and ACM. His research interests include AI, machine learning, optimisation, deep learning, game theory, fintech, and business intelligence. He teaches various courses on AI, programming, data analytics, and research methods.