Social Robots

This book examines the impact of social robots on ethics and emotional engagement, proposing a fictional dualism model for understanding our connections with them.

Social robots have become an essential part of modern life, serving various roles such as customer service assistants, caregivers, and companions. In Social Robots, the author explores how the integration of these robots is reshaping our understanding of ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology. The book highlights the revolutionary implications of social robots on our fundamental beliefs, suggesting that their presence challenges our established theories and intuitions.

The emotional responses elicited by social robots raise important questions about moral consideration. Some argue that these robots, being mere machines, should not be designed to foster emotional connections, while others believe that their ability to evoke feelings warrants ethical consideration. The fictional dualism model presented in Social Robots offers a fresh perspective, suggesting that our interactions with these robots create a fictional narrative that allows us to engage emotionally without attributing moral status to them. This relationship mirrors our connection with fiction, enhancing our lives without necessitating moral obligations towards the robots.

Paula Sweeney's work distinguishes the fictional dualism model from other approaches, providing a framework that encourages emotional engagement while maintaining ethical boundaries. The model also sets conditions for trust in social robots and allows for their individuation as distinct entities, even when they operate collectively. Through this exploration, Social Robots invites readers to reconsider their relationships with these machines in a nuanced and thoughtful manner.