Abstract
The analysis of Noel Sharkey’s “The Ethical Frontiers of Robotics,” and Kenneth W. Goodman and Norman G. Einspruch’s “The Way Forward in the World of Robotics” is meant to show the negligence of both texts. Throughout the topics both authors discuss, there is a repetitive missing information and reference. False representation of this topic is presented while failing to represent both sides. Each text will be summarized to a dissection. Sharkey nor Goodman and Einspruch included any concrete evidence which was hard for the texts to be credible. Both text had an opinionating tone, neither separated their personal beliefs from their writing. The topics both texts left out will be discussed and presented with a sense of question for the reader to reflect on their own. Being that it is now 2018 and the text was written almost 8 years ago, the current technological advances that now exist will be included.
Keywords: dependence, boundaries, robotics, child, elder, military, concern
Robotic interaction is significantly high. How much interaction is too much? In Noel Sharkey’s analysis of robotics “The Ethical Frontiers of Robotics,” Sharkey discusses the ethical aspects of robotic interaction with children, elders, and military forces. Does the interaction at some of the most vulnerable times in our lives affect us in ways deeper than we notice?
A sense of wonder and fear is given across throughout the text. Fear of the unknown for Sharkey seems to be getting in the way of a proper analysis of this topic. In Kenneth W. Goodman and Norman G. Einspruch’s, reflection to Sharkey’s text, “The Way Forward in the World of Robotics,” they have a much lighter and sensible take on Sharkey’s points.
I. Text Analysis
(a). Sharkey
Skarkey begins his text with a negative connotation of robotics. Fear of no boundaries is a common topic while he never explores the positive points of robotics. A focal point is of the danger to be considered in the monitoring and interaction of developing children and elders, and military use of robotics.
In describing child monitoring gadgets, Sharkey (2010) includes that “human attention is still needed,” makes these gadgets seem unreliable (p. 358). The unknown psychological impact in the text is questioned, with the ethical point of view Sharkey has. Sharkey’s (2010) fear of boundaries is proved when he writes “There is a vital need for public discussion to decide the limits of robot use before the industry and busy parents make the decision themselves,” (p.358).
The topic of elderly people in this text is similarly to that of the children, except Sharkey explores the companion aspect of the relationship between elders and robotics. Introduced is a “Paro the seal,” which can be a replacement of companion. Sharkey (2010) suggests the reasoning behind this invention is lack of interest in caregivers or family to spend time with and elder (p. 359). This gadget is assumed by Sharkey to make these people feel better about themselves.
The military application of robots is different from the relationships already discussed, however include a wide range of citizens. Many robotics contain lethal weapons that Sharkey (2010) describes are up in the air to evolve into being self activated robots without a soldier assistance, and includes the price of $230 billion would enable that feature (p. 359). The topic of the robot’s confusion during interaction is a big concern for safety, because safety of citizens cannot be ensured with robotic use in the military force.
(b). Goodman and Einspruch
Throughout the text Goodman and Einspruch often discredit Sharkey by saying he is coming from a personal point of view. Goodman and Einspruch (2010) express that Sharkey has exaggerated tones in his text (p. 361). They do agree that technology has been on the rise, however, technology should not be discredited or dismissed.
Goodman and Einspruch (2010) state that technological uses are “sources of ethical challenges, but they do not warrant preying on emotions by invoking threats of child neglect and abuse (1,2)” (p. 361). In that section Goodman and Einspruch (2010) are saying that Sharkey should not jump to conclusions when no research is proven (p. 361). They show optimism for technology, yet are too concerned of the use in the military force. No evidence is provided for this specific topic. The protection of basic human’s rights is a big concern for Goodman and Einspruch.
II. Feature Analysis
In Sharkey’s text, he is defensive speaking towards robotics. He created a negative imagery of robotics. His main points are the fact that robotics are doing jobs and responsibilities that humans should be doing. He provides no concrete evidence in this text, the referencing he does use is manipulated to form the imagery he wants to create which ruins the credibility for the text. For example, a study Sharkey (2010) includes of a “monkey only being able to interact with inanimate surrogates show severe social dysfunction” (p. 358). Although humans and monkeys are not related at all, this puts an image in the reader’s mind that maybe interaction and dependence is negative. The negative is emphasized too much in Sharkey’s text and becomes a one sided conversation of this topic. Sharkey fails to include the convenience of robots. The information provides is unreasonable by not supporting both sides of the conversation.
In Goodman and Einspruch’s text, they explore the optimistic side of this conversation, because no research has been proved they will not stand against it. They place the reader in a different point of view that Sharkey did, but are credible because they show both sides. Sharkey discussed the negatives and they are just fulfilling the other half of the conversation. Although they are concerned of the basic human rights, they set a tone of hope for technology. A good job is done of placing the reader in an ideological perception, and acknowledging the other point of views.
III. Consideration of Current Technology
Baby monitors are now frequently used in households today. The world is very much dependent on technology now; because this was written about 8 years ago, technology has evolved and has a bigger role in lives. There are more robots in everyday use such as carwashes, toll collection systems, and even smart houses to complete tasks as little as turning on the light. Although dependence has been raised in the past few years, the convenience for everyone from child to elder has become exceptionally useful.
In analyzing both texts, the features of each have been dissected to evaluate how both represent the true nature of the conversation of robotic interaction. The topic of robotic dependence is not represented in all complexities because of lack of features. There are many reason for and against robotic dependence, and Sharkey did not allow for decision by the reader. The risks concerned about could happen without the help of technology. It is important to know both side of the topic without your mind being made up for you.