Propositions concerning digital minds and society

Abstract

Some existing artificial intelligence systems can achieve human-comparable performance in language, mathematics, and strategy. This paper examines the moral status of AI and considers what protection they should be afforded based on various theories of consciousness and moral status. AI systems are becoming more complex and capable, and some people believe that they may eventually attain moral status comparable to or even greater than that of humans. The authors anticipate that AI systems soon will have moral status comparable to many non-human animals. This transition creates moral imperatives that currently do not exist. Using various theories of consciousness and moral status as a foundation, the authors propose protections for the welfare of AI (algorithmic welfare) in line with differing views on moral and legal obligations toward them. – AI-generated abstract.