How Many Points is a Soul?

banjo (banjo@xtra.co.nz)
Sat, 02 Nov 1996 12:13:11 +0000

Hi
this is from my GURPSnet list, but im mighty curious
about the extropians' views...
>
> topic. Those of you who post fascinating replies will receive your
> reward in the afterlife. Those of you who post inflammatory replies
> will receive your reward in the afterlife, too, but you'll get a
> down-payment immediately. Vengeance is the Lord's, but the
> subscription list is mine.
>
> It is commonly accepted among sci-fi fans (and among you pretentious
> SFers, as well) that "computers is people, too" -- that a machine can
> be sentient or even sapient, and should be accorded the same respect as
> a meat-person.
>
> Can anyone argue for the other side? Can anyone defend the position
> that a computer that can pass the Turing test is nonetheless not a
> "person" (whatever that may mean)?
>
> What thoughts do those of you of religious faith have on this subject?
> Can a computer believe in God? Should a computer be baptized? Can a
> computer pray? Should a computer go to church? Should a computer
> receive the Holy Eucharist? Should a computer be ordained to the
> priesthood? Can a computer sin? Can a computer go to Hell? (If you
> are religious but not Christian, please substitute your own theo-
> logical concepts wherever necessary.)
>
> Susan and Sean (order optional) Natives of el Pueblo de
> S & S Enterprises Nuestra Senora la Reina de los
> sands@netcom.com Angeles de Porciuncula.

-banjo