ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE EVOLUTION OF LEGAL PERSONHOOD: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THEORETICAL APPROACHES AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The evolving capabilities of artificial intelligence have raised urgent legal and philosophical questions about the scope of legal personhood. While traditional concepts of personhood emphasize autonomy and moral agency, AI systems challenge these foundations by performing complex, autonomous actions without consciousness. This essay critically examines theoretical arguments and legal developments regarding AI’s possible recognition as a legal person. Drawing on comparative case studies and scholarly perspectives, the study proposes a functional model of limited personhood for AI, allowing specific legal roles without undermining human dignity. Pragmatic, ethically grounded regulation is crucial for future AI governance.