Artificial General Intelligence, Moral Standing, and Attenuated Relationality: Concerns From the Perspective of Christian Theism

Some argue that if we develop machines with artificial general intelligence (“AGIs”), we might not be able to determine whether these machines are unfeeling tools without moral standing or instead conscious beings deserving of moral consideration. I reflect on this possibility from the standpoint of Christian theism. I argue, first, that Christian theists should be especially uncertain about the moral standing of hypothetical AGIs. Second, the prospect of AGIs of uncertain moral standing poses risks that are unacceptable from a Christian perspective. I give special attention to a risk we face if, out of moral precaution, we operate on the assumption that AGIs are conscious and have moral standing. If this assumption is incorrect, the precautionary approach could result in a lamentable attenuation of the bonds of mutual concern that Christians view as essential to our collective flourishing.