This thesis is concerned with the discussion surrounding the moral status of artificial intelligence, specifically whether artificial general and superintelligence can be considered as a moral patient. Introduction into this discussion begins with defining artificial intelligence, its levels and strategies for construction of artificial general intelligence which points to the complexity of mentioned systems. In order to deliberate on the coherence of the whole discussion the text starts with the conditions needed to consider AI as a moral patient then it proceeds to problem of consciousness of artificial systems which is presented through short explanations of computational theory of mind, emergence, quantum theory of mind as well as Tononi Giulio's Integrated Information Theory and some conclusions Christof Koch's research regarding neural basis of consciousness as a retort to the problem of Chinese room. In addition, the problem of proving consciousness as well as the experience of pain of artificial systems is explained. The status of AI is brought toc onnection with animal rights and certain versions of Tom Regan's deontology and Peter Singer's utilitarianism are reviewed and it is discussed to what extent they are adequate in application in the ethical discussion about the moral status of artificial intelligence.