TITE 8 - Machines as Colleagues, Friends and Lovers
Dec 20, 2023
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The podcast explores the ethical implications of relationships with machines, including friendships, working relationships, and intimate relationships. It discusses parallels from fiction and real-world examples, such as soldiers bonding with robots. The podcast also delves into the dynamics of forming connections with chatbots, military robots, workplace robots, and love dolls. It explores philosophical models of friendship in relation to robots and raises concerns about ulterior motives. The impact of ulterior motives on relationships, diverse emotional dispositions towards robots, and the ethics of scholarship on AI are also discussed.
Relationships with machines can exist in various forms, including friendships, collegial working relationships, and sexual or intimate relationships.
Machines may not possess the internal properties associated with human friendships, but they can still perform friendship-like functions and provide value in people's lives.
The focus should shift from metaphysical debates to epistemic inquiries when determining whether robots can meet philosophical ideals of friendship.
Whether a relationship is freely chosen or not should not be the sole determinant of its ethical status or value.
Deep dives
The Different Types of Relationships with Machines
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the various types of relationships people have with machines and the ethical/moral aspects of these relationships. Three main types of relationships are focused on: friendships, collegial working relationships, and sexual or intimate relationships. The hosts highlight that while sci-fi often depicts relationships with machines, the question arises of whether these relationships can exist in reality. They explore the idea that even though machines may not possess certain internal properties associated with human friendships, they can still perform friendship-like functions and provide value in people's lives.
Can Robots Meet the Ideal of Friendship?
The hosts delve into philosophical ideals of friendship, such as Aristotle's notion of virtue friendship and the idea of equality among friends. They question whether robots can truly meet these ideals and argue that the focus should shift from metaphysical debates to epistemic inquiries. They propose that if robots exhibit behavior consistent with friendship, such as caring, mutual well-wishing, and shared interests, then they should be considered friends, even if they lack certain internal mental properties. They emphasize that the ability to observe behavior and the positive impacts of relationships should be prioritized over abstract notions of ideal friendship.
The Role of Freedom in Relationships
The hosts discuss the importance of freedom and choice in relationships, particularly in relation to friendships and romantic partnerships. While some argue that a freely chosen relationship is necessary for genuine friendship, the hosts challenge this notion. They point out that many friendships and relationships are not necessarily freely chosen, and the lack of free choice does not inherently invalidate the relationship. They also suggest that it is not clear whether individuals truly have free choice in their relationships. They emphasize that whether a relationship is freely chosen or not should not be the sole determinant of its ethical status or value.
Complexity and Multidimensionality of Relationships
The hosts highlight the complexity and multidimensionality of relationships, particularly friendships and romantic relationships. They note that societal expectations and cultural factors influence our views on these relationships. The notion of being drawn to someone and the value of freely committed relationships coexist in our understanding of friendships and romantic partnerships. The hosts consider whether robots can exhibit genuine attraction or choice, while acknowledging that the ability to mimic choice and behavior can still fulfill certain relationship functions. They emphasize the importance of understanding and navigating the multiple aspects of relationships when considering the role of robots in these contexts.
Are friendships with robots possible?
The podcast episode explores the question of whether friendships with robots are possible. It discusses the idea that while robots may not meet the criteria for traditional friendships, they can still possess qualities that allow for meaningful connections. The concept of degrees of friendship is introduced, suggesting that friendships with robots can exist to varying extents. The paper by Helen Ryland is referenced, which argues for a continuum of friendship rather than an all-or-nothing approach. Overall, the episode highlights the complexities and potential nuances in human-robot relationships.
Exploring the ethics of collegiality with machines
The podcast delves into the ethics of collegiality with machines in the workplace. It examines the criteria for being colleagues and what constitutes a good collegial relationship. The question of whether machines can be considered colleagues is raised, considering factors such as performing similar tasks, being part of the same organization, and equality in responsibilities. The paper by Monica Betsler and Jörg Luschke is mentioned, which explores the philosophical aspects of collegiality. The discussion concludes that while machines can fulfill certain criteria to be classified as colleagues, the presence of solidarity and recognition is more complex to achieve.
Debating the significance of moral patiency for machines
The podcast addresses the debate surrounding the ethics of moral patiency for machines and the importance of discussing this topic. It acknowledges the argument that debating the moral status of machines may divert attention from more pressing real-world ethical issues. However, it counters this by highlighting the fascination people have with the topic and the capacity for simultaneous discussions on various ethical concerns. The importance of dividing labor among academics and the potential value in exploring multiple subjects is emphasized. Additionally, the practical implications of legal personhood and compensation for harm caused by machines are briefly touched upon.
In this episode, Sven and John talk about relationships with machines. Can you collaborate with a machine? Can robots be friends, colleagues or, perhaps, even lovers? These are common tropes in science fiction and popular culture, but is there any credibility to them? What would the ethical status of such relationships be? Should they be welcomed or avoided? These are just some of the questions addressed in this episode.
You can download the episode here or listen below. You can also subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, Amazon and a range of other podcasting services.
