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Today scientists and philosophers seriously debate whether computers and robots could develop a kind of consciousness ( artificial intelligence, AI ), and organic interaction ( artificial life ) similar to or exceeding that of human beings.

This is also a popular theme in science-fiction novels and movies ; some raise the same question ( Dune's Butlerian Jihad, for example ), while others explore what the relationship between human beings and machines with artificial intelligence would be, and even whether AI is desirable.

However, it is important to note that Butler wrote of machines developing consciousness by natural selection, not artificially, although machine algorithms are approaching a level of autonomy which could be considered natural, now.