An Exploration of Moral Relevance and the Prospect of Artificial Consciousness.

This philosophical paper explores the relationship between moral relevance and the possibility of artificial consciousness. It examines whether artificial systems could ever possess the necessary attributes to be considered moral patients, entities that deserve moral consideration. The argument engages with theories of consciousness and moral status, questioning how we might determine if an AI system has subjective experience or interests that could ground moral obligations toward it. The paper does not reach a definitive conclusion but maps the conceptual terrain and highlights key philosophical challenges that must be addressed before we can responsibly attribute moral status to artificial beings.

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Abstract

An Exploration of Moral Relevance and the Prospect of Artificial Consciousness.