Time for me to add a new term to the lexicon. As this will certainly come up in the next thirty years, I have coined the neologism "Descarte Limit" as it it applies to AI.
"Descarte Limit" (Noun) The Descarte Limit is the limit below self awareness for an AI. An AI below the Descarte Limit would lack self awareness. Once an AI has passed the Descarte Limit, it has become a self aware entity. Signs of an AI having passed the limit would be awareness of itself outside its normal operating parameters, awareness of events and systems outside its normal operating parameters and a reflection of its role in its operating parameters.
For an AI passing the Descarte Limit is the initial step for full recognition as a sentient being.
As a legal term the Descarte Limit is the litmus test for an AI seeking legal protections or recognition as a legal entity.
Taken from the 17th century French Philosopher Rene Descarte famous principle, cogito ergo sum ("I think, therefore I am").
I will probably add this to the wikipedia.org as well.
