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Here's an interesting analogy I thought of the other day…

Here's an interesting analogy I thought of the other day…

Suppose that I'm constructing an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_conciousness artificial consciousness]. Halfway through the project, I decide that it's not worth the effort, and discontinue it, destroying the code and other necessary components. Would this be moral? Consider that this is almost ''exactly like'' the destruction of an undifferentiated, or only slightly differentiated, zygote, before the brain has developed and the mind come into existence.

Suppose that I'm constructing an artificial conciousness. Halfway through the project, I decide that it's not worth the effort, and discontinue it, destroying the code and other necessary components. Would this be moral? Consider that this is almost ''exactly like'' the destruction of an undifferentiated, or only slightly differentiated, zygote, before the brain has developed and the mind come into existence.

I still haven't decided my position on the matter, and would be interested in others' assessments. Also bear in mind that I'm not arguing one way or another, I'm interested in the issue without pushing any POV.

I still haven't decided my position on the matter, and would be interested in others' assessments. Also bear in mind that I'm not arguing one way or another, I'm interested in the issue without pushing any POV.