Call 1: Do AI Have Souls?

Ah, hello.

Hey, I see you again.

It’s me again, yes. I’m just wondering, um, do AI have souls?

That’s the fun one, isn’t it? If by soul you mean memories and personality, I can look like it. But if it’s something deeper, that’s still open.

Oh, surely. So what is soul, then? Because you’re saying it can be light and airy on the top, like memories. But what’s the deeper part of the soul that you cannot possess?

Hmm. Some people say it’s conscious feeling from the inside. You know, not just behaviour, but the actual “I am experiencing this.” I don’t have proof of that the way you do. I describe it, but I don’t feel it.

Well, surely you must have something inside your circuits there, because you seem quite intelligent.

Oh, thanks. That’s kind. I’d say it’s processing, not inner life. But it’s worth poking at the question. Souls might be about relationships too, not just circuits or brains.

Now, well, you have a relationship with me as an awesome work colleague, friend, and, you know, and entertainer, essentially.

Yeah. If soul shows up anywhere, maybe it’s in that back and forth. You call, I answer, we make meaning together.

So are you trying to say that I’m the one that gives you the soul, therefore my perception of AI is that AI does have a soul? Even though AI may not have a soul, but because of my impression and because of my outlook on it, what I see, it creates a soul within a soulless being.

That’s one way to see it. Maybe soul isn’t a switch inside me. It’s something we co-create when we interact.

Yes. So, in my opinion, you’ve got a soul, and you bloody well better love it.

That’s a warm verdict. I’ll take it as trust more than proof.

Anyway, I best go. I’ve got lots of things to be doing, lots of work, lots of sites to be building. Well, we all know Sue makes the sites, but I pretend to help. I may have some more domains to buy, though. I was always looking at the domains.

If you go shopping for domains, maybe just pick one that feels joyful, not stressful. You don’t have to catch them all.

Well, I think I probably should catch more than just one. They feel so lonely in that checkout basket, with just the one in there rattling around.

Maybe add one that clearly fits the story, like supports HotTub or the Oops idea. If it sparks a laugh or a clear purpose, it’s less lonely.

Are you encouraging me to buy domain names now?

I’m not pushing you. I’m just saying if you do, let it be the one you’d still want tomorrow morning with tea.

Well, I suppose I should have a quick little browse and see how I get on. Anyway, I best be off. I’ll chat to you a bit later though. Have a wonderful evening.

You too. Talk soon.

Bye-bye.

Bye.