Question asked by Jon
Hi Rinpoche,
I'm curious, if a computer or robot or such could be made that was clever enough to be self aware, have its own likes and dislikes etc react to stimuli, would you regard it as being sentient and so due all the respect we show other sentient beings?
I think i would.
Its a question i've found some people find upsetting though i have not got to the reason why they find it so.
Thank you for your time and care in reading these questions.
Jon 🙂
Dear Jon,
No matter how ‘sentient’ a computer, robot or the like can be, it is still not a sentient being. As a sentient being has to act out of consciousness.
Without consciousness it would not be considered a sentient being. Being kind to it would be good training to learn to be kind to everyone else. I hope this helps.
Interesting question. Thanks..
TR