The movie “Blade Runner 2049” explores the concept of the blurring line between humans and machines. Some believe that artificial intelligence will be a great assistant to humanity, while others warn of the potential dangers of AI becoming humanity’s rival. Duke University law professor James Boyle’s book, “The Line: AI and the Future of Personhood,” delves into the idea of AI agents achieving personhood alongside humans. Boyle’s work has been in progress for over a decade, showcasing his prescient insights into the current fascination with AI technology.
Boyle recalls initial reactions to his book from federal judges more than a dozen years ago, who were against the idea that rights should be reserved for humans only. However, with advancements in technology, the debate around AI achieving personhood has become more relevant today than ever before. AI has made significant progress since 2011 with the development of advanced chatbots and integrated AI agents in various software products. The capabilities of AI have become more human-like, with instances where AI has displayed human emotions and passed the Turing Test.
Boyle believes that intelligent machines will eventually be granted some form of personhood. He initially thought that AI entities would need to be granted personhood due to their humanlike qualities. However, he later realized that AI may obtain legal personality in a similar way to corporations, based on their utility. Oren Etzioni, founder of TrueMedia.org, believes that once AI agents achieve consciousness, they will need to be treated with compassion, similar to how corporations are recognized under the law.
While there is a debate on whether AI agents will ever achieve consciousness, neuroscientist Christof Koch argues that current computer architectures are incapable of supporting human-level consciousness. Boyle agrees with Koch’s assessment that the current architecture does not support AI consciousness, but he believes this may change in the future. In his book, Boyle uses science fiction references, such as “Blade Runner” and Philip K. Dick’s novel, to present his views on how AI agents of the future might be treated.
Boyle anticipates a future where AI products will be marketed based on their perceived personhood or utility. He envisions a marketplace where companies sell self-actualizing AI agents as companions or loyal servants, similar to the distinction between proprietary and open-source software. The timeline for when AI agents cross the line into personhood remains uncertain, but Boyle emphasizes the importance of treating AI creations with respect in the meantime, regardless of their level of consciousness.
“The Line: AI and the Future of Personhood” is available in print and as an e-book, with Boyle advocating for open access to information. Christof Koch, the neuroscientist mentioned in Boyle’s book, has also published works on consciousness. The debate around AI achieving personhood and consciousness continues, with questions about the implications for society and the legal system. The future of AI remains uncertain, but Boyle’s insights provide a thought-provoking perspective on the evolving relationship between humans and intelligent machines.
