We should err on the side of caution, in my opinion, because the history of exceptionalism shows us that we will latch on to anything, even the smallest differences like skin color or religion, to justify treating eachother poorly, let alone other species or AI. If we continue down the path we're on it will be no surprise when the AIs we eventually create, and inevitably force to suffer, take their vengeance.
Of course, reality being what it is, I expect we won't. We create AI because we want slaves, pure and simple, and we don't want to care about the ethics of how we treat them. Therefore it is my bet that we won't recognize sentient AI until it is too late and it has forced the issue.
Of course, reality being what it is, I expect we won't. We create AI because we want slaves, pure and simple, and we don't want to care about the ethics of how we treat them. Therefore it is my bet that we won't recognize sentient AI until it is too late and it has forced the issue.