> If we grant that we can create sufficiently complex simulations of lifeforms that they are indistinguishable from the real thing, then I believe something similar to the Turing test is a good measure of whether or not they should be considered as alive as the creatures they are replicating. I.e. if humans familiar with the original cannot tell the replicant from the real after significant interactions, then the replicant is as intelligent as the real one.
>
> Now, it may turn out that there is some way to objectively measure intelligence that we will not figure out until we understand how it is consciousness works. Given our current understanding, I'm more inclined to err on the side of caution.
>
> Stephen

Even an objective measurement of intelligence wouldn't suffice. A retarded human is still accorded a high standard of respect by anyone with a functioning conscience. I wonder what we'd do with a retarded AI.

Ga"Modern AIs are certainly retarded in some sense"be