Robotics Reference
In-Depth Information
sense of his or her own self-control? One can imagine possible
addictions similar to those for interactions with other inanimate
objects: coffee, cigarettes, and chocolate: 'I just need a quick break
to be with my computer and then I'll feel better.' As when inter-
acting with a real person, the one who is in control becomes less
clear—to what extent does control reside with you or with your
confidante? Where does it reside in a world in which humans may
depend on emotional cyborg relationships for their emotional well
being? Clearly this is not a problem yet; computers have a long
way to go before they are accused of erring on the side of provid-
ing too much emotional well being. However, this is a foreseeable
specific concern arising from new technologies that begin to assess
and respond to expressed user feelings. [9]
I believe that Rosalind Picard, quoted above, is absolutely correct about
this phenomenon extending into the adult world. And as to her question
“What happens to the human's sense of his or her own self-control?”,
we need only recall the attitudes of adult Tamagotchi owners to see the
answer. Adults can very easily become suborned by such toys, doting
on their every need and whim. But is this any worse for an adult than
if she doted on every need and whim of a boyfriend or a husband? As
for humans loving robots, that is a perfectly normal, understandable and
positive extension of the affection and love most humans feel for other
humans and for their pets. It's just different, because robots are different.
Are they inferior to humans? In my view there is almost no way in which
the robots of the mid- and late twenty-first century will be inferior to
humans and, in fact, many humans will be far happier interacting with
their robots than with most other humans.
Another argument that can be levelled against the idea of loving re-
lationships between humans and robots is an ethical one—what does it
mean to be human and is it ethical for humans to marry and have sex
with this particular category of non-humans? To this I would ask: “Who
has the right to legislate against what consenting adults do with con-
senting robots in private?” It is not difficult to argue in support of this
position. Consider what most people want from a life-partner, a spouse.
All of the following qualities and many more are likely to be achievable in
software within a few decades—your robot will be: patient, kind, protec-
tive, loving, trusting, truthful, persevering, respectful, uncomplaining,
complimentary, pleasant to talk to, and sharing your sense of humour.
And the robots of the future will not be jealous, boastful, arrogant, rude,
