That's a great question.. I originally told myself that I wouldn't consider any machine alive, even if it possessed real self-awareness. My definition of life is generally restricted to organic compounds that have the ability to create more of themselves on at least the cellular level. I mean, imagine the concept of a ghost, or the idea of the undead. According to the myths, they are not considered alive, regardless of whatever feelings they may be capable of showing. Digital life, to me, was a simulation of real life. But what does that mean? Digital life would still follow rules not unlike our own, and to suggest that the reality presented to us through a program is "not real" opens up an entirely new can of worms.
It's a very, very intriguing question. As of right now, I am undecided.
|
|
Bookmarks