Philosophy class, Thursday, 2-4pm

[brambless.livejournal.com]

Tara comes into the classroom bearing a toaster under her arm.

A shiny, stainless steel toaster.

Grinning brightly at the small class, Tara sets the toaster down and plugs it in.

"Today we're discussing personhood. I bring in front of you a guest speaker. An artificial intelligence. Talk to it. There are two questions for this class, with a single goal. First: is this intelligence a person? On what grounds do you make that decision? Second: if it is a person, what implications does that raise?

"This will be the basis for an out of class assignment. Talk with talkytoaster today, and take away what you learn here to the library. You will select a philosopher and apply today's discussion to his or her opinions on artificial intelligence or the rights and responsibilities of humanity. Next week you will hand in the results of your research. I expect you to come to a personal standpoint on the implications of non-humanoid intelligence, in whichever arena you have chosen to focus on."

Comments

[brambless.livejournal.com]

"I brought crumpets, if you get hungry," she says quietly. "I wasn't sure if you actually ate, but it seemed only polite. Um... do you mind if I ask if you have any... physical sensations? Like, can you feel it if someone touches you?"

[talkytoaster.livejournal.com]

Feeling, I can, a touch of a feather
Really though, it depends on the weather.

With rain, I feel a lot of touch
With sun, hot weather, not so much.

[brambless.livejournal.com]

"I guess that makes sense," Tara muses. "Heat is natural for you, but water and electricity are... not so much. So what do you enjoy?"

This is research! Academic research! Plus, she's really, really curious.

[talkytoaster.livejournal.com]

Enjoy rhyming I do, and talking all night!
Many adventures, I've had, my future's so bright!

[brambless.livejournal.com]

"Is talking at night better than talking during the day? I'd love to hear about your adventures if you'd like to share them... although it must be hard sometimes, always talking in rhyme. Um, is that programmed in? Or do you have a choice about it?"

She lets out a wry laugh, shaking her head. "I ask too many questions."

[talkytoaster.livejournal.com]

Rhyming is natural to me, do you find that weird?
A talent I learned from Captain Blackbeard!

[brambless.livejournal.com]

"Not weird," Tara shakes her head, considering it. "But it's a good indicator of your intelligence. Most people find it very difficult to speak in rhyme.

"Blackbeard, huh? So you were a pirate toaster?"

[talkytoaster.livejournal.com]

Thank you, kind lady, for your kindness and ease
Oceans and gold, a toaster pirate is me!

[brambless.livejournal.com]

"So you were, um, like a cook? Or more... actively involved? And you've always been a toaster, right? This isn't an enchantment or anything?"