In this paper, we propose a hypothesis that consciousness has evolved to serve as a platform for general intelligence. This idea stems from considerations of potential biological functions of consciousness. Here we define general intelligence as the ability to apply knowledge and models acquired from past experiences to generate solutions to novel problems. Based on this definition, we propose three possible ways to establish general intelligence under existing methodologies for constructing AI systems, namely solution by simulation, solution by combination and solution by generation. Then, we relate those solutions to putative functions of consciousness put forward, respectively, by the information generation theory, the global workspace theory, and a form of higher order theory where qualia are regarded as meta-representations. Based on these insights, We propose that consciousness integrates a group of specialized generative/forward models and forms a complex in which combinations of those models are flexibly formed and that qualia are meta-representations of first-order mappings which endow an agent with the ability to choose which maps to use to solve novel problems. These functions can be implemented as an "artificial consciousness". Such systems can generate policies based on a small number of trial and error for solving novel problems. Finally, we propose possible directions for future research into artificial consciousness and artificial general intelligence.
