Is an upload still a person?

Even if we assume that an upload is alive, it may be argued that it's not really a person -- because it was created by humans, or because it doesn't consist of biological tissue. Since special rights are often attributed to persons, this in an important question.

The general consensus on the net seems to be that uploads are just as human (i.e., "persons") as biological humans. Indeed, this seems so obvious to most people that the issue has received very little discussion. Still, from a philosophical standpoint it deserves more attention.

humanity.html . . . . . . . . 10/08/94 . . . . . . . Joe Strout