Evaluating Consciousness in Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review of Theoretical, Empirical, and PhilosophicalDevelopments (2020-2025) Ver 2.0

Synthesizes major developments in AI consciousness research from 2020–2025, examining leading neuroscientific theories, empirical assessment methods, and the philosophical debates shaping the field. The paper identifies a growing shift toward nuanced, indicator-based evaluation frameworks that assess consciousness-like properties through multiple converging signals rather than binary claims of sentience.