Debate:Abortion and Artificial Consciousness

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

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.

It isn't the same at all. Computers do not have souls. CalebRookwood 20:25, 9 September 2007 (EDT)

An artificial consciousness could be thought of as a human brain in a robot. In my opinion, such a being would indeed have a soul. I doubt that organic composition is a prerequisite for a theological presence. If you debate that, imagine that I'm constructing a fully-functional human out of living cells. Would it be immoral to stop? --Turing100111010 20:45, 9 September 2007 (EDT)

It would be immoral to start constructing a human in that way. Where do you get your idea that robots have souls? Traditional Conservative 00:10, 10 September 2007 (EDT)

Your link doesn't work. Bohdan 20:27, 9 September 2007 (EDT)

Hmm, that's odd. I thought that WP had a separate article on it… what's your opinion on the subject, Bohdan? --Turing100111010 20:45, 9 September 2007 (EDT)