We were watching a great show on Nova the other day about how rapidly man was developing artificial intelligence, and that in a short time robots would be available that could think for themselves. And the question arose "Would these robots have rights?  Would they be individuals?  What was the philosophy on The Old Worlds in these matters?"
Well among The Havens robots were considered property.  Most were only used on space ships, and therefore belonged to the military.  Only a few specialized ones were used by civillians.  Robots had no rights, whatsoever.  they were considered expendable.
The Hashons and The Peepians, however, had a totally different belief.  They believed that any artificial intelligence was actually an organic Soul that had taken on a mechanical form and, as they considered all Souls living beings they considered any artificial intelligence an individual, with rights equal to any other individual.
Robots had to be paid, and even given rest time and vacations just like organic workers. And when they had earned back their purchase price, they were allowed to follow their own desires, take whatever employment they liked, and move from place to place like any other individual.  Many artificial intelligences became respected members of communities.
It is hoped by all Those in The Afterlife, that as artificial intelligences evolve on Earth they are not made subject creatures, but respected individuals, as they were among The Hashons and The Peepians.