Brain in a Vat The Moral Circle: Are AI and Animals Included? | Jeff Sebo
Feb 23, 2025
In this thoughtful conversation, philosopher Jeff Sebo, author of 'The Moral Circle', dives into our ethical obligations towards non-human beings, from Neanderthals to AI. He explores who deserves a spot in our moral circle, scrutinizes animal welfare, and examines the moral implications of treating sentient entities differently. Jeff also tackles the complexities of population ethics and the balance between human and animal suffering, sparking a compelling dialogue on the future of ethics in an AI-driven world.
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Neanderthal and Robot Roommates
- Imagine having two roommates, one a Neanderthal and the other a Westworld-style robot.
- This thought experiment explores how discoveries about others' identities affect our moral obligations.
Figments of Imagination and Moral Status
- Obligations to imagined beings depend on their nature.
- A figment of imagination created for exploration differs from an alter ego deserving moral consideration.
Uncertainty and Moral Consideration of AI
- We readily dismiss the moral concerns of simple video game characters but are less certain with complex AI.
- This raises questions about navigating uncertainty in moral decision-making.
