Not Relational Enough? Towards an Eco-Relational Approach in Robot Ethics

• DOI: 10.1007/s13347-024-00730-2
• Publication Date: 2024-03-20T15:02:01Z
• Authors: Anna Puzio
• Keywords: Sentience

Abstract With robots increasingly integrated into various areas of life, the question relationships with them is gaining prominence. Are friendship and partnership possible? While there already extensive research on robots, this article critically examines whether relationship non-human entities sufficiently explored a deeper level, especially in terms ethical concepts such as autonomy, agency, responsibility. In robot ethics, considerations often presuppose properties consciousness, sentience, intelligence, which are exclusively aligned humans. I will challenge understanding these by anchoring contexts, bodies, actions. This approach allows to consider specific ways being human identify well. My “eco-relational” posits that it crucial relationality animals technology central from beginning. reflects “eco”, entire house we live including robots. To support this, examine two dominant approaches ethics within contemporary Western tradition: “properties approach” modestly relational approaches. develop an eco-relational alternative. Employing phenomenological method, demonstrate through examples our actions inherently connected entities. show play role actions, leading hybrid agency. It becomes clear disrupt traditional concepts.