Ethical Implications in the use of Computers

Abstract

Whether the common man is aware or not, computers have invaded every section ,of public service today. While the computer-specialist is too busy to keep himself up to date, and the user is too excited with the results that the computers produce, ' the philosopher cannot just take this "wonder-machine", for granted. The ( computer arouses in the philosopher a I number of questions - philosophical and -^ethical. Could computers become superior to man? Could the activity of the computer be called "thinking"? What would be the basic difference between an advanced computer (Artificial intelligence - AI) and man? Would AI acquire personhood? Would the AI be capable of qualities of the spirit - emotions, love, compassion; and above all, would it acquire self-consciousness? Could there be a limit to technological progress itself? In other words, when should man say, "this is the last piece of our Invention"? And a myriad of similar questions.