They can be a benefit or a hazard.

[robinbloke]

[Poll #787460]

Comments

[robinbloke.livejournal.com]

The creation of a biological/mechanical and/or computer intelligence capable of cognitive processes.

[azekeil.livejournal.com]

That does not sound like it should be capable of emotions. If not then I don't believe it should have any 'rights', just as any other algorithm.

If it can be demonstrated to have emotions and feelings then we start getting into 'rights' territory.

[robinbloke.livejournal.com]

That's an interesting line; and one I think I could agree with - although I still need more thought on this subject.
But then, how can you demonstrate emotions on a box of blinking lights?
Typical emotions of love, hate and fear? It screams when you go to switch it off? It tries to kill the person that switches it off? It protects the person that bundles it out of the research facility to freedom?

[azekeil.livejournal.com]

Well now there's a whole new kettle of fish :)

You could start with something fairly simple: ask it how it's feeling. Keep asking why. If it really is 'feeling' the emotion, the ultimate response it gives will be to do with an interaction or the environment, particularly in the past.

Emotions isn't just about present state; it's about the cumulative effects of present and past circumstances, combined with hopes and fears for the future. You can see this would start to get exponentially complicated PDQ.

[robinbloke.livejournal.com]

And this is why psycology is something I need to study :)