Can AI Be a Legal Subject? Learning from the 'Selective Recognition' of 19th Century Slavery by Hsiao Kuo-chen 2026-06-18 07:57:00 CST This article argues that the challenge of artificial intelligence lies not in technology, but in legal recognition. When interactions are like those with a subject, yet the legal order still treats it as an object, how can this contradiction be resolved? The key lies in tracing human responsibility, avoiding a responsibility vacuum due to algorithms, and reflecting on the order of recognition itself. https://www.the
This article argues that the primary challenge for AI lies not in its technical capabilities but in its legal recognition. It explores the paradox of AI interactions resembling those of a sentient entity while the legal system continues to classify it as mere property. The author suggests that resolving this requires tracing human responsibility to prevent accountability gaps arising from algorithms and a broader reflection on the nature of recognition itself. AI
IMPACT Raises questions about the future legal frameworks needed to govern increasingly sophisticated AI interactions.