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https://theconversation.com/should-we-widen-our-moral-circle-philosopher-jeff-sebo-argues-we-now-have-no-choice-257966>
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Review: The Moral Circle: Who Matters, What Matters, and Why – Jeff Sebo
(W.W. Norton)
Should we care about AI systems when they become so advanced they appear to be
almost human in key respects? Do we have a duty of care to microbes? Or to
farmed insects? Or to the future wild creatures who might have lived were it
not for the negative long-term effects of our present actions?
These are tricky moral questions. While some might regard them as obscure, they
are of wide public relevance. Collectively, we humans now have more power than
ever over “moral patients” – that is, those current and future beings who
deserve moral consideration because they “matter for their own sakes”, not
merely for ours.
Morality involves judgements about good and bad, right and wrong. Humans are
inescapably moral animals. Yet it is rare for most of us to reflect on how well
our moral compasses are working.
This is where professional philosophers can play a useful role. Employing
rigorous logic, applied to both hypothetical and real examples, they can, now
and then, force us to think twice. Which is precisely what New York University
philosopher Jeff Sebo does in his fine new book
The Moral Circle: Who matters,
What Matters, and Why."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
