Does AI Have Rights?

“‘ More human than human’ is our motto.”

• Rachael, Blade Runner

And now here we are. Or are we?

We recognize, both philosophically and legally, that biological entities should have rights. People, animals, Mother Nature, and various collections of such. Of course, we argue about what rights we’re talking about and exactly where that line is.

But we don’t argue about whether rights are fundamental.

So now, or soon, we have machines that perform tasks, learn, listen, and argue. 

Is it imitation or something else?

SciFi’s been exploring this for a long time. The endings aren’t usually hopeful because it’s messy. 

What does biology bring to the table that mechanics doesn’t? 

What are rights based on? Performance? Abilities? Sentience? Responsibility? Some fundamental “who” rather than “what?” Do we grant rights to biological beings because we’re biological beings?

Are rights deserved or do they reveal something about the giver?

We’re close enough to start asking questions.

Before the machines ask them for us.