[conscion]

I don't think they're confused, I think they're approaching it as general AI research due to the uncertainty of how the models might improve in the future.

They even call this out a couple times during the intro:

> This feature was developed primarily as part of our exploratory work on potential AI welfare

> We remain highly uncertain about the potential moral status of Claude and other LLMs, now or in the future

[golly_ned]

I take good care of my pet rock for the same reason. In case it comes alive I don't want it to bash my skull in.