Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Digital minds are artificial systems, from advanced AIs to potential future brain emulations, that could morally matter for their own sake, owing to their potential for conscious experience, suffering, or other morally relevant mental states. Both cognitive science and the philosophy of mind can as yet offer no definitive answers as to whether present or near-future digital minds possess morally relevant mental states. Though, a majority of experts surveyed estimate at least fifty percent odds that AI systems with subjective experience could emerge by 2050,^[1] while public expresses broad uncertainty.^[2]

The lack of clarity leaves open the risk of severe moral catastrophe:

We could mistakenly underattribute moral standing; failing to give consideration or rights to a new kind of being that deserves them.
We could mistakenly overattribute moral standing; perhaps granting rights or consideration to morally irrelevant machines at the expense of human wellbeing.

As society surges toward an era shaped by increasingly capable and numerous AI systems, scientific theories of mind take on direct implications for ethics, governance, and policy, prompting a growing consensus that rapid progress on these questions is urgently needed.

This quickstart guide gathers the most useful articles, media, and research for readers ranging from curious beginners to aspiring contributors:

The Quickstart section offers an accessible set of materials for your first one or two hours engaging with the arguments.
Then if you’re looking for a casual introduction to the topic, the Select Media section gives a number of approachable podcasts and videos
Or for a deeper dive the Introduction and Intermediate sections provide a structured reading list for study
We then outline the broader landscape with Further Resources, including key thinkers, academic centers, organizations, and career opportunities.
A Glossary at the end offers short definitions for essential terms; a quick (ctrl+f) search can help you locate any concepts that feel unfamiliar.

Here’s a few ways to use the guide, depending your interest level and time:

Casual/Curious:

Cover the Quickstart materials
Bookmark and return to work through the Select Media section with our favorite videos and podcasts at your leisure

Deep Dive:

Cover the Quickstart materials, bookmark then over subsequent sessions,
Continue to the Introd

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