PhD defence Cindy Friedman: The Ethical Dilemmas of Treating Humanoid Robots Like Humans

On Friday 21 March, Cindy Friedman will defend her PhD dissertation ‘The Ethics of Humanoid Robots’. Robots have become an essential part of our society. However, Friedman warns, this widespread acceptance of robotic technology raises ethical concerns, primarily around humanoid robots.

Unique ethical implications of humanoid robots

Humanoid robots are designed to look and act like humans, making it natural for us to interact with them as if they were real people, Friedman writes. Far more than with any other types of robotic technology. This means that the rise of humanoid robots raises unique ethical questions.

For example, if we relate to a humanoid robot as if it were human, does that mean we should also treat it in the same way? Should we grant them the same rights and responsibilities? And could they eventually replace humans in certain roles? How might this affect our relationships – not only with technology but also with other people and the world around us? Would this lead to a questioning of what makes us humans unique?

Critical reflection is needed

Before embracing this technology too quickly, Friedman stresses, we need to reflect carefully on its broader impact – especially since we naturally tend to perceive humanoid robots as human-like. We should not treat them as ‘mere tools’ for our convenience; instead, we should engage with them in a respectful and morally responsible way.

According to Friedman, this mindset could positively impact our own morality. However, she emphasises, being morally considerate toward humanoid robots should never come at the expense of our relationships with fellow human beings. After all, it is through human-to-human relations that we can become the best moral version of ourselves.