On the one hand, I agree with you completely - we both know that robots in their current form are not sentient and need no protection, and indeed it sometimes feels like the discussion about "robot rights" takes the place of more pertinent issues.
However, there is a general lack of compassion in our society, and I wouldn't stand in the way of anyone who promotes compassion, even if it is to inanimate objects.
That general missed the point - it is not the de-mining experiment that is inhuman, it is the use of mines that is inhuman.
If we treat "warring robots" as completely dispensable, we run the risk of ignoring how cruel a war can be. In that sense, I almost wish these robots were made to seem MORE human, to create a bigger emotional impact.
On the one hand, I agree with you completely - we both know that robots in their current form are not sentient and need no protection, and indeed it sometimes feels like the discussion about "robot rights" takes the place of more pertinent issues.
However, there is a general lack of compassion in our society, and I wouldn't stand in the way of anyone who promotes compassion, even if it is to inanimate objects.
That general missed the point - it is not the de-mining experiment that is inhuman, it is the use of mines that is inhuman.
If we treat "warring robots" as completely dispensable, we run the risk of ignoring how cruel a war can be. In that sense, I almost wish these robots were made to seem MORE human, to create a bigger emotional impact.
Posted by: Tom | Friday, 25 May 2007 at 01:49 PM