[keiferski]

I agree with your first part but don’t see how the second follows. Thinking that I should treat other life forms better does not mean I should treat my toaster better. Life can be a coherent category, I’m not sure conscious is, if it’s going to include anything displaying the outward form of conscious things.

[JoachimS]

As one that have been quite certain my toaster is evil - throwing toast into the sink over an absurd distance, I recommend treating your toaster well. Besides it is an electrical device you put stuff into with your bare hands.

[keiferski]

Heh, in fact I don’t actually own a toaster. It was just an example.

But in general I treat my devices well; that doesn’t mean I need to think they are conscious beings, however.

[JoachimS]

But if it seems to be possessed by a toast hurling daemon? ;-)

[keiferski]

In that case an exorcism may indeed be necessary.

[JoachimS]

Heat it to a crisp, oh wait.