Anthropic explores AI consciousness while rare 1972 computer hits auction

Anthropic has reportedly engaged religious scholars under nondisclosure agreements to discuss the moral status and consciousness of its AI, Claude. The company also reportedly considered withdrawing from a Vatican event regarding an encyclical on artificial intelligence.

In separate technology news, a rare 1972 Q1 microcomputer sold at auction via Dallas-based Heritage Auctions for £37,179. The machine, which featured an internal printer, was part of a collection discovered during a house clearance in London. The Q1 Lite and a companion printer also sold for several thousand pounds each. The Q1 is noted as a significant early development in computing, predating the Apple 1.