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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 conciousness]. Halfway through the project, I decide that it's not worth the effort, and discontinue it, destroying the code and other neccesary 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 [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 neccesary 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' assesments. 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.

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

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

:: An artificial conciousness 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? --[[User:Turing100111010|Turing100111010]] 20:45, 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? --[[User:Turing100111010|Turing100111010]] 20:45, 9 September 2007 (EDT)

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

::Your link doesn't work. [[User:Bohdan|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? --[[User:Turing100111010|Turing100111010]] 20:45, 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? --[[User:Turing100111010|Turing100111010]] 20:45, 9 September 2007 (EDT)