Final answer:
The philosophy of mind explores how various philosophic positions bear on ethical considerations, including the treatment of AI and the moral status of simpler organisms. Different views like mental externalism, property dualism, functionalism, and eliminative materialism offer divergent implications for AI rights and the conception of free will, influenced by neurological evidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The questions posed touch on various debates in the philosophy of mind and how different philosophical positions might affect our ethical views, particularly concerning new technological entities like AI.
The implications of mental externalism, property dualism, functionalism, physicalism, and eliminative materialism for ethics involve complex considerations.
For instance, mental externalism might suggest non-traditional considerations for the moral significance of experiences like brain-in-a-vat scenarios. Similarly, property dualism and physicalist viewpoints may lead to different interpretations of the moral standing of cognitively simpler creatures, like insects.
When it comes to AI, these philosophical perspectives could lead to varying stances on the moral status of AI, with questions regarding whether AI could deserve rights similar to humans if it gains consciousness or exhibits human-like qualities such as emotions.
Eliminative materialism, which completely denies the existence of traditional mental states, poses questions about whether norms or ethical considerations can be meaningfully applied at all.
Furthermore, research in neuroscience brings evidence that could suggest our moral reasoning and actions are deeply rooted in the brain's biological mechanisms, which has implications for discussions on free will and morality. Considering these frameworks is crucial for addressing ethical challenges posed by advancements in technology and our understanding of the mind.