Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 27:36-28:06

Why are the ship AIs not simply in command?

The series ties AI command limits to rules governing officer-AI relationships and to the moral problem created when a sufficiently capable AI becomes a sentient being.

AndromedaArtificial IntelligenceCommand And Control
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Why are the High Guard ship AIs not placed in command?

Short answer

Command is constrained by rules governing organic officers and AIs, while making the AI capable enough raises questions about its status as a sentient being.

Notes

The limit is institutional and ethical rather than a simple lack of computing power. The High Guard restricts relationships between organic commanding officers and ship AIs. An AI capable of independent command is also sentient, so its authority would require formal status and accountability. Putting that AI in command would also change what organic officers may order a sentient ship to do.