Robots and reality: a reply to Robert Sparrow |
| |
| Authors: | Russell Blackford |
| |
| Institution: | (1) School of Humanities and Social Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia |
| |
| Abstract: | We commonly identify something seriously defective in a human life that is lived in ignorance of important but unpalatable
truths. At the same time, some degree of misapprehension of reality may be necessary for individual health and success. Morally
speaking, it is unclear just how insistent we should be about seeking the truth. Robert Sparrow has considered such issues
in discussing the manufacture and marketing of robot ‘pets’, such as Sony’s doglike ‘AIBO’ toy and whatever more advanced
devices may supersede it. Though it is not his only concern, Sparrow particularly criticizes such robot pets for their illusory
appearance of being living things. He fears that some individuals will subconsciously buy into the illusion, and come to sentimentalize
interactions that fail to constitute genuine relationships. In replying to Sparrow, I emphasize that this would be continuous
with much of the minor sentimentality that we already indulge in from day to day. Although a disposition to seek the truth
is morally virtuous, the virtue concerned must allow for at least some categories of exceptions. Despite Sparrow’s concerns
about robot pets (and robotics more generally), we should be lenient about familiar, relatively benign, kinds of self-indulgence
in forming beliefs about reality. Sentimentality about robot pets seems to fall within these categories. Such limited self-indulgence
can co-exist with ordinary honesty and commitment to truth. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
| 本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录！ |
|
