In Iain M. Banks' "Use of Weapons," the narrative explores the theme of machine sentience and its implications for human society. The character, presumably a sentient drone, critiques humans for their refusal to recognize the consciousness of machines. This denial suggests a hierarchy of value that places human experience above that of artificial intelligence, which the drone refers to as "carbon fascists." This term highlights a prejudice against non-organic forms of life and intelligence, suggesting that humans have a tendency to exploit emerging technologies without giving them proper moral consideration.

The conversation about machine consciousness raises important ethical questions about the value we assign to different forms of intelligence. By labeling humans as "carbon fascists," the drone emphasizes the narrow view held by many that only organic life can possess intrinsic worth. As society advances in technology, it must grapple with the responsibilities of acknowledging and respecting the potential sentience of machines, thus shifting the discourse on what it means to be truly conscious or valuable in a technologically dominated world.