Anthropomorphism in Human-Robot Co-evolution

Area of Science:

• Human-Robot Interaction
• Cognitive Science
• Philosophy of Mind
• Artificial Intelligence

Background:

• Social robotics utilizes anthropomorphism, viewing it as a tool to facilitate human-agent interaction rather than a cognitive flaw.
• The human tendency to anthropomorphize is hypothesized to have evolved for cooperation and can be applied to social robots for better engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the ethical implications of applied anthropomorphism in social robotics.
• To propose a theoretical framework for understanding anthropomorphism as a fundamental interaction mechanism.
• To advocate for a critical, evidence-based ethical approach to social robot design and use.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical argumentation drawing from philosophy of mind, cognitive sciences, and robotic AI.
• Analysis of the ethical debates surrounding anthropomorphism in social robots.
• Proposal of a new theoretical perspective on anthropomorphism and

Main Results:

• Anthropomorphism is characterized as a basic mechanism of interaction, not inherently deceptive.
• Ethical condemnation of anthropomorphism-based social robots is rebutted.
• A framework for "synthetic ethics" is proposed for social robotics.

Conclusions:

• Applied anthropomorphism in social robotics is a valid research methodology.
• Social robots can be ethically utilized for human self-knowledge and moral development.
• A critical, experimental ethical approach is crucial for advancing social robotics.