This paper is concerned with two questions. The first is whether
machine consciousness is possible. The second is whether moral agency is possible in a machine environment. I will assess these two possibilities by integrating reflections born from three theoretical perspectives: the philosophy of language, Theravāda Abhidhamma, and the sciences. I will argue that the relevant considerations from these three areas converge to suggest that machine consciousness is not empirically possible. I will then argue that even if I am mistaken about this, which is to say, even if machine consciousness is a real possibility, moral agency in a machine environment, understood in Buddhist terms, cannot be. The apparent plausibility of these ideas rests in good part on the vagaries of language and the power of human imagination, to say nothing of all the promotional hype. This hype has resulted in such fascinating recent developments as an online AI Buddha and the recent ordination of an AI monk into a Zen lineage.

Martin Adam is Associate Professor in Religion, Society and Culture Program at the University of Victoria. His articles have appeared in numerous academic journals including the Journal of Buddhist Ethics, Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies, and the Journal of the American Academy of Religion. He is also the playwright and producer of the rock opera What the Buddha Never Taught (2022).

Prof. Martin Adam -"Buddhism and the possibility of ethical AI"

Khenpo Chödrak Tenphel Rinpoche - an eminent teacher of the Karma Kagyu lineage who is currently lecturing on tantric views and practices at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery - has accepted Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche’s request to present and discuss Buddhism’s three yānas based on Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye’s Treasury of Knowledge and he spoke with students at RYI on Feb, 4, 5 & 6, 2016 and translated by Dr. Thomas Doctor. 

Khenpo Chödrak Tenphel Rinpoche - "The Three Vehicles" Part-II

A cover of a song I heard on a cd by Nawang Khechog, a Tibetan musician who plays flute very nicely.

“Peace Through Kindness" cover

Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) has conducted study programs in Nepal for more than 25 years. Since 2002 RYI has partnered with Kathmandu University offering academic credit for those study programs. In 2009 RYI launched its online learning program. Our aim is to utilise our expertise and experience to enable students from around the world to study Buddhism and Himalayan Languages with us.

Prof. Martin Adam -"Buddhism and the possibility of ethical AI"

Rangjung Yeshe Institute

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