To 1) and 2), assuming a digital consciousness capable of self-awareness and introspection, I think the answer is clearly 'no'. But: > it would be fair to say

To 1) and 2), assuming a digital consciousness capable of self-awareness and introspection, I think the answer is clearly 'no'. But: > it would be fair to say that the more advanced the field becomes, the less difference there is between the artificial brain and a real brain. I don't think it would be fair to say this. LLMs are certainly not worthy of ethical considerations. Consciousness needs to be demonstratable. Even if the synaptic structure of the digital vs. human brain approaches 1:1 similarity, the program running on it does not deserve ethical consideration unless and until consciousness can be demonstrated as an emergent property.