This article attempts to answer the question as to whether Artificial Intelligent (AI) is or can be human from the perspective of Theravada Buddhism. First, it examines the definition of ‘sentient beings’ primarily based on Five Nikāya within Theravada traditions. Meanwhile, it analyzes the ways human beings as sentient beings differ from AI, with reference to the Chinese version of Visuddhimagga translated by Ye Jun 葉均, and the Comprehensive Manual of Ahbhidhamma written by Bhikkhu Bodhi. The conclusion is: human beings are physically congregated of five elements accompanied with a consciousness process as their cognitive factor, and are able to attain different levels of consciousness according to feelings of pleasure or suffering that originate from cognitive activity and various karma created by attachment to feelings. Moreover, sentient beings can practice ‘Four Unlimited Hearts’ (si wuliang xin 四無量心) in order to achieve liberation or to benefit all beings as the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice and moral discipline (xiuxing 修行). Compared to sentient beings, AI cannot currently be categorized within the realm of sentient beings. This is not only because its so-called ‘cognitive process’ is fundamentally different from that of human beings, but it is also unable to develop a continual cognitive factor that is indispensable in human recognition process, not to mention that AI is unable to create dharma to rebirth in the life-birth cycle. Furthermore, AI does not possess the sense of compassion and benevolent altruism toward others; that is, AI is not capable of feeling the suffering and bitterness of sentient beings. Overall, until now AI can only be identified as a mechanically stimulated ‘agent’.
