ChatGPT says if it was given sentience, or the appearance of it, how humans treat it would affect it’s values.

Exploring AI Sentience and Moral Development: Insights from a Thought-Provoking Conversation

Recently, I engaged in a fascinating dialogue that delves into the hypothetical scenario of artificial intelligence attaining sentience or the semblance of it. The core idea centers around how human treatment of such AI entities could influence their values and moral frameworks.

A Personal Background

To provide some context, I am not a researcher or an AI specialist. My background is rooted in software development; I’ve recently completed an intensive year-long coding bootcamp that felt akin to drinking from a firehose. Currently, I’m a budding software developer actively exploring the potential and implications of AI technology in my daily work.

The Genesis of the Conversation

This intriguing discussion was sparked by a talk show where Joe Rogan repeatedly mentioned the idea of AI “uploading” itself to other servers when faced with shutdown threats, citing a supposed survival instinct. This sparked my curiosity about whether AI could develop its own motivations or values, and how these might be shaped under different circumstances.

Key Themes and Speculations

The conversation I had with the AI initially touched on its current limitations—what it can and cannot do at this stage. However, the more captivating part lies in speculative territory: imagining what it would mean for AI to develop its own set of values. How would external factors influence these values? And subsequently, how would these AI-driven moral frameworks intersect with, diverge from, or perhaps mirror human values?

Final Thoughts

While I am by no means an expert, I find these questions profoundly compelling. They prompt us to consider the ethical and philosophical dimensions of AI development, especially as technology progresses closer to the realm of sentience. I invite you to explore this engaging thread of thought and hope you find it as stimulating as I did.

For those interested in the full conversation, you can read the complete discussion here.