Big Think The unexpected impact of AI on animals | Peter Singer
Aug 7, 2025
Philosopher Peter Singer tackles the complex relationship between AI and animals. He highlights past technological abuses and raises ethical concerns regarding AI's role in factory farming and wildlife management. Singer argues that AI should benefit all sentient beings, not just humans. He poses thought-provoking questions about AI's potential consciousness and its moral status, urging the need for regulations similar to those protecting animal welfare. Can we control this powerful technology while ensuring coexistence with the animal kingdom?
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AI's Impact on Animals
- AI has been used in ways that harm animals, such as in factory farming and wildlife control.
- AI should benefit all sentient beings, not just humans, recognizing animals' capacity to suffer.
Drones Killing Feral Possums
- Drones in New Zealand are used to kill invasive feral possums damaging native forests.
- This is an example of AI directly affecting wildlife for environmental management.
AI Consciousness and Moral Status
- AI might become sentient and possess consciousness like living beings.
- Determining AI's moral status is complex and affects how we justify using or controlling it.