The Ethics Surrounding Artificial Consciousness in Humanoid Robots

Abstract

Kristian Knowles

English 1102 H/K. Redding

Research Proposal

26 February 2016

The Ethics Surrounding Artificial Consciousness in Humanoid Robots

Science fiction has many challenges and implications connected to artificial consciousness within humanoid robots. The creation and existence of humanoid robots is very complex, which can generate many questions. My research will focus on the ethics surrounding humanoid robots with consciousness. Knowing right from wrong, and having morals is a standard that each human must acquire for themselves. Robots do not have the ability to do so just yet. Is it possible for these robots to possess this trait, or is it far too dangerous? Many challenges we are confronted with are as a result of the existence of conscious humanoid robots. Freedom, personhood, and moral rights are each attributes that robots do not withhold. These features could potentially aid or impair humans depending on how far technology progresses.

Through my research, I will display the challenges, implications, and possible solutions that affect the abilities these humanoid robots obtain. Literature such as Laws Surrounding-Science Fiction and Philosophy by Susan Schneider, and The Ethical and Social Implications of Robotics by Patrick Lin will help me increase my knowledge to understand the distinct views on humanoid robots with consciousness. Furthermore, these findings will assist me to discover the solution and complications to why humanoid robots are not capable of certain features yet. The more technology expands, the greater the betterment of these features will be. We must notice the problems associated along the way and realize that more problems could arise, and we might not find the solution to these complications.