So much of the AI discussion is wishful thinking. Or magical thinking to put it another way. Or poor thinking to put it yet another. It's not impossible that computers could be sentient, but an honest appraisal would have to say its more unlikely than likely. The brain is not a computer. Silicon is not carbon. Comparisons between consciousness and computing are metaphorical. It's an en vogue faith based belief without even the redeeming qualities of a belief in god.

There is nothing as stupid as very clever people.