Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotis" and Machine Metaethics by Susan Leigh Anderson

This essays discusses how we could create Ethical Machines. This is not the same as machines created ethically (as in computer ethics) but machines which could act ethically. For this, Anderson explains how Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics are not a got fit. More work needs to be done to develop an ethical framework which could be implemented in robots and AI.

The first part of the essay discusses how, in the Bicentennial Man Asimov rejects his own Three Laws by exposing how they would make a robot a slave. But, how can a robot be a slave if it isn't human? Well, Anderson explains how the story depicting human traits in the robot protagonist reaffirms the fact that it would be inhuman to program robots with the 3 Laws.

The next part of the essay looks into the field of Machine Ethics. First by discussing the concept of Moral Standing in machines. Anderson refers to Tibor Machan who believed that "to have rights it was necessary to be a moral agent, where a moral agent is one who is expected to behave morally". Here instead of telling a story, Anderson quotes a few philosophers' understanding of characteristics a moral agent should have to have rights or to, indeed, be a person. For example, Reason, Sentience or Self-consciousness are discussed. Using all these tools Anderson finishes the essay explaining why the 3 Laws are unsatisfactory.

No to robot slavery <--> robot rights <--> do robots have Moral Standing? <--> characteristics necessary to have Moral Standing

Excellent read for fans of Isaac Asimov.