The Ethical Consideration of Non-Humans

There is a growing argument for the moral consideration of a wide array of non-human beings, including animals and emerging AI systems. This perspective advocates that if there is even a slight possibility that a being possesses sentience, agency, or moral significance, we should act as though it does. This includes vertebrates, various invertebrates, and future AI technologies, all of which might experience their own forms of consciousness or suffering. The ethical responsibility arises from the potential impact of human actions on these beings, and proactive measures should be taken to mitigate any risks they might face.