The Obsolescence of Human Beings in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Advances in computational intelligence and robotics book series January 29, 2026 DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3373-5530-6.ch004 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the central problem of machine qualia is not their existence but humans' structural overload in recognizing and normatively classifying such phenomena. Contends that the epistemic, imaginative, and moral divide is insoluble, and proposes an 'ethics of ignorance' based on the precautionary principle, along with philosophical humility toward the unimaginable as a guideline for governance, law, and technology design. |
Abstract
This chapter examines the question of qualia in the context of artificial intelligence and links it to Günther Anders' diagnosis of the ‘Promethean gap.' The aim is to combine the ontological debate on machine consciousness with an anthropological-ethical perspective. Methodologically, classical positions in the philosophy of mind (functionalism, Searle, Tononi, panpsychism) are systematically presented and critically reflected upon in light of Anders' philosophy of technology. In doing so, it is shown that the real problem is not the existence of qualia in machines, but rather the structural overload of humans in recognizing such phenomena and classifying them appropriately in normative terms. The main findings emphasize: (1) the insolubility of the epistemic, imaginative, and moral divide, (2) the necessity of an ‘ethics of ignorance' based on the precautionary principle, and (3) philosophical humility toward the unimaginable as a guideline for governance, law, and technology design.