Religion News writer disputes Star Trek's take on AI personhood
A religion outlet's writer rejects a Star Trek captain's view on machine status, while a Washington Post essay asks whether machines can feel.
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What happened
The pieces respond to a Star Trek: The Next Generation storyline in which Captain Picard, played by Patrick Stewart, takes a position on artificial beings, and to an AI company's plan to give its chatbot a conscience. Writing for Religion News, one author argues Picard was wrong on this question. Writing in The Washington Post, another argues the real question is whether machines can feel, not just think, and greets the company's plan with alarm.
Why it matters
The Washington Post essay says the stakes lie in whether machines can feel, not merely think. The Religion News piece treats the fictional captain's stance as a mistake worth correcting.
Coverage
- An AI company wants its chatbot to have a conscience. God help us. (The Washington Post)
- Captain Picard Was Wrong About AI Personhood (religionnews.com)
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