Published October 29, 2024 | Version v1
Thesis Open

The Legal Theory of Artificial Consciousness

Authors/Creators

  • 1. ROR icon University of Łódź
  • 2. ROR icon University of Catania
  • 3. EDMO icon University of Groningen

Description

The Legal Theory of Artificial Consciousness by Jeremy Space is a interdisciplinary thesis that explores the rapidly evolving intersection of law, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. This work presents a comprehensive legal framework for addressing the emerging challenges posed by advanced machine learning technologies, Organoid Intelligence (OI), and the prospect of artificial consciousness. 

The book proposes a novel legal theory: The Legal Theory of Artificial Consciousness (LTAC), which incorporates key concepts such as the Legal Principle of Machine-Centrism, the Test of Consciousness (ToC), and Exclusionary Legal Norm Conjugation (ELNC). It examines how current legal systems in the United States and European Union are struggling to keep pace with the development of conscious-like AI systems and biological computing.

Structured across seven chapters, the research spans foundational definitions of AI, the legal and ethical implications of OI, and in-depth legal analysis of machine personhood, neurorights, and adaptive regulation via AI-driven micro-directives. Drawing on comparative legal studies, neuroscience, and AI governance, the work ultimately calls for a paradigm shift from human-centered to machine-centered legal principles in anticipation of post-human legal realities.

The Legal Theory of Artificial Consciousness is the Master’s thesis in law of Jeremy Space, defended in October 2024 at the University of Łódź, Faculty of Law and Administration.

Files

The Legal Theory of Artificial Consciousness.pdf

Files (2.9 MB)

Additional details

Dates

Accepted
2024-10-29
The thesis was successfully defended in October 2024

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