Robots Among Us: The Philosophical Dilemmas of Artificial Companions

Robots, humanoid robots, are not just coming; they are here. Question is, are we the smart humans ready for this coming change in our economy and its myriad ways it will affect our way of life? It's one thing to be served by robots at a candy kiosk or work alongside massive industrial robots usually separated by woven wire for safety sake. It is another thing to think of humanoid robots, those that can act like, look like, sound like human beings walking around in our homes. Will such robots act as data collection machines funneling our private lives to the world? Will human beings be able to handle robots psychologically and emotionally? Should we ban certain kinds of robots, particularly child-like robots made for human companionship and will these kinds of robots make it more likely human beings will abuse children or other weaker individuals? One thing is clear, we need to think about these things and figure out what our ethics will be, for tomorrow is now today in robotics. Technological innovation outruns legal, moral, cultural consideration, so we're already behind, and it's not that Skynet or the Entity are going to take over; it's what is best regarding that small robot in our house. For more Christian commentary check my website at www.rexmrogers.com, or see my YouTube channel @DrRexRogers for more podcasts and video. #robots #robotics #humanoid #surveillance