Some ethical reflections on relations between human beings and social robots

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon ethical implications of human-robot interaction. Issues are discussed within two scenarios: (1) In focusing on robots with intelligent behavior, but without consciousness, attention is paid to obstacles for forming trustful relations. Here, it is concluded that human-robot interaction will lack the kind of commitment, which stems from the fact that life is interpersonal, implying that trust is a fundamental human condition. (2) In focusing on the possibility of developing intelligent robots with a mental life of their own, issues of our responsibility as creators of robots are discussed, as well as issues dealing with the kind of relationships we might have with such robots. Here, we are faced with a Good-like responsibility and ethical obligations towards a creature, who possible will develop a mind of its own, which might turn out to be radically different from the human mind