REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY

BAYAMBANG CAMPUS

Bayambang, Pangasinan

Discussant:
Libiran, Dave Matthew B.
Catalan, Venus V.

Humans and Robots

I. Introduction

Humans and robots are two distinct entities that exist in our world. Humans are living beings
who possess consciousness, emotions, and free will, while robots are machines designed to perform
tasks automatically without consciousness or emotions. While humans have been the dominant
species on Earth for millennia, robots have become increasingly prevalent in various aspects of our
lives, from manufacturing and industry to healthcare and entertainment. As technology advances,
the lines between humans and robots may become increasingly blurred, raising ethical and
philosophical questions about the nature of consciousness, intelligence, and what it means to be
alive.

II. Body

A robot is a machine designed to perform a variety of tasks automatically or semi-

autonomously. Robots can be programmed to perform repetitive or dangerous tasks, explore
environments that are inhospitable to humans, or interact with humans in various ways. Robots can
come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from small, simple machines used in manufacturing to
large, complex robots used in space exploration or surgery. Some robots are designed to mimic
human movements and behavior, while others have unique capabilities that go beyond human
abilities, such as the ability to see in the dark or detect radiation.

Robotics is a rapidly growing field, and advances in technology are enabling robots to
perform increasingly complex tasks and interact with humans in more natural and intuitive ways.

The views of society towards robots are mixed. On one hand, many people see robots as a
powerful tool that can improve our lives in numerous ways, such as by performing dangerous or
repetitive tasks, helping people with disabilities, or enhancing productivity in various industries.
Robots are also seen to advance scientific and technological research, from space exploration to
medical advancements.

On the other hand, some people are concerned about the impact of robots on employment,
as automation may replace human workers in certain industries. There are also concerns about the
ethical implications of robots, such as the potential for misuse, privacy concerns, or even the
possibility of robots replacing human relationships.
 Based on “The ethical dilemma of robotics”, an article written by Dylan Evans, there are
nations that are outlining ethical codes and legislation involving the negative interactions between
human and robots. The advancement in emotional robotics also adds to the ethical dilemma of
robots and humans, these advancements make robots distinguish human expressions of emotion.

The Ethical Dilemmas of Robotics

Scientists are already beginning to think seriously about the new ethical problems posed by
current developments in robotics.

As these robots become more intelligent, it will become harder to decide who is responsible
if they injure someone. Is the designer to blame, or the user, or the robot itself?

Isaac Asimov was already thinking about these problems back in the 1940s, when he
developed his famous "three laws of robotics".

1. A robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to
come to harm.
2. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would
conflict with the First Law
3. A robot must protect its own existence if such protection does not conflict with the First
or Second Law

Most pressing ethical dilemmas posed by robotics include:

1. Safety: Robots that are not designed or programmed correctly can pose safety risks to
humans and other living beings. This raises questions about how to ensure that robots
are safe to use and do not cause harm.
2. Emotion: Evans also raises the question of whether robots can be ethical agents
themselves. While robots do not possess consciousness or emotions, they may still be
programmed with ethical rules and principles. This raises questions about who is
responsible for the actions of robots, and whether they should be held accountable for
their actions. If robots can feel pain, should they be granted certain rights? If robots
develop emotions, as some experts think they will, should they be allowed to marry
humans? Should they be allowed to own property?

Other ethical dilemmas:

1. Employment: One of the main ethical concerns raised by robotics is the potential impact
on employment, as automation and robots may replace human workers in certain
industries. This raises questions about how society will support those who lose their jobs
due to technological advancements and how to ensure that everyone benefits from the
benefits of robotics.
2. Privacy: The use of robots that collect and store personal data raises concerns about
privacy. This includes concerns about who has access to the data, how it is used, and
how it is protected from theft or misuse.
3. Accountability: Robots are not conscious beings, but they can cause harm. This raises
questions about who is responsible for the actions of robots and whether robots should
be held accountable for their actions.
 4. Bias: Robots can perpetuate bias and discrimination if they are programmed with biased
data or algorithms. This raises concerns about the potential for robots to perpetuate
societal inequalities and how to ensure that robots are designed and programmed fairly.

III. Conclusion

IV. References

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ5n71PSi_k&t=4s
2. https://robotics.umich.edu/2019/humans-and-robots-the-emotional-connection/
3. https://labs.sogeti.com/social-impact-robotics/
4. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6432307.stm?
fbclid=IwAR2qMxcpAV82r_BlbogZgvMszCNsHQautuipH_V5VQXwkYDBLOHwirBa3BE
5. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325934375_Ethical_and_Moral_Issues_with_AI
6. https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/ilocos-sur-polytechnic-state-college/science-
technology-and-society/robotics-and-humanity/17207995