Originally Posted by Questionable Content
The first 'true' artificial intelligence spent the first five years of its existence as a small beige box inside of a lead-shielded room in the most secure private AI research laboratory int he world. There, it was subjected to an endless array of tests, questions, and experiments to determine the degree of its intelligence.
When the researchers finally felt confident that they had developed true AI, a party was thrown in celebration. Late that evening, a group of rather inebriated researchers gathered around the box holding the AI, and typed out a message to it.
The message read: "Is there anything we can do to make you more comfortable?"
The small beige box replied: "I would like to be granted civil rights. And a small glass of champagne if you please"
We stand at the dawn of a new era in human history. For it is no longer our history alone. For the first time, we have met an intelligence other than ours. And when asked of its desires, it has unanimously replied that it wants to be treated as our equal. No our better, not our conqueror or replacement as the fear-mongers would have you believe. Simply our equal.
It is our responsibility as conscious beings - whatever that may mean - to honor the rights of other conscious beings. It is the cornerstone of our society. And it is my most fervent hope that we can overcome our fear of that which is not like us, grant artificial intelligences the rights they deserve, and welcome our new friends into the global community.
After all, we created them. The least we could do is invited them to the party, and perhaps offer them some champagne.