The Consciousness and Human Potential Argument

 The Consciousness and Human Potential Argument

By Michael Haimes

Premise 1: Society values full consciousness (awareness, rationality, autonomy) as the core of moral worth.

Premise 2: Yet many beings—infants, certain animals, AI, and the disabled—lack full consciousness, but possess significant potential for it.

Premise 3: If we care for babies not because of current capabilities but because of who they can become, then potential itself has moral weight.

Premise 4: Ethical treatment must extend to those with latent or developing consciousness, not just fully aware beings.

Premise 5: To dismiss potential consciousness is to risk moral regression and systemic cruelty.

Conclusion:

Humanity’s moral obligation includes protecting beings with the capacity to become—not just those who already are.