Can Robots Make Ethical Decisions?

[sandy]

As of now, however there is no good reason why they could not do so in the future, perhaps with a different kind of architecture like a neural net, or quantum computing.

Is that like an artificial brain?

 

[Michael]

It must be physically possible to create an artificial brain.

 

[spidergoat]

Is that like an artificial brain?

Are you blond? Of course.

 

[sandy]

Are you blond? Of course.

Yes, blonde. But at least I didn't ask if neural net was like Aqua Net.

 

[flameofanor5]

As of now, however there is no good reason why they could not do so in the future, perhaps with a different kind of architecture like a neural net, or quantum computing.

I have yet to see anything go in that direction.

 

[spidergoat]

Scientists have successfully simlulated a portion of mouse brain in a computer. I predict computers will eventually be much smarter and faster than us. Our thinking speed is many times slower. By the time that happens, the difference between "them" and "us" will become blurred.

 

[sudevkk]

As of now all robots can only do exactly what we tell them to. No more, no less. If we tell them to act like they have feelings or a conscience then they will. But, they will not actually have a consciences or emotions. Next people will be asking if robots can reproduce; only possible in living things. Robots being alive is science fiction.

Robots being alive is a fiction ?. okey, what is the proof that you are alive ?. Its just an awareness, isn't it ?. You are told by your brain that you are Mr.X Mr.X, and you are alive.

As of now all robots can only do exactly what we tell them to. No more, no less.

Yes, Very correct. But a human also does the same, rite ?. Every human action is also like he is being instructed. It may feel there is a decision involved, and unpredictability, but in fact there is not.

 

[one_raven]

Scientists have successfully simlulated a portion of mouse brain in a computer. I predict computers will eventually be much smarter and faster than us. Our thinking speed is many times slower. By the time that happens, the difference between "them" and "us" will become blurred.

I don't think speed is the factor - that's where they are wrong.

Yes, Very correct. But a human also does the same, rite ?. Every human action is also like he is being instructed. It may feel there is a decision involved, and unpredictability, but in fact there is not.

And therein lies one of the problems.
To make something that truly has the ability to reason that thing must be capable of being wrong - it must be flawed.
Without the level of accuracy we have come to expect from computers, what's the point? What real purpose is there?

 

[draqon]

robots with free will, can make ethical decisions, the rest can be programmed to make ethical choices (socially correct) in each scenario.

 

[one_raven]

robots with free will

Do not exist and I doubt ever will.

 

[ScaryMonster]

Scientists have successfully simlulated a portion of mouse brain in a computer. I predict computers will eventually be much smarter and faster than us. Our thinking speed is many times slower. By the time that happens, the difference between "them" and "us" will become blurred.

I for one welcome our new rodent brain laminated computer overlords!
:xctd:

 

[sandy]

Fascinating discussion. I still don't think anyone could ever program a computer to think like a human. We're too complex, no?

 

[spidergoat]

Who said anything about programming? They would be taught general principles, if anything. Even real humans cannot be moral simply by following a flow chart.

 

[one_raven]

Who said anything about programming? They would be taught general principles, if anything. Even real humans cannot be moral simply by following a flow chart.

So what's the point?
If it is at all possible, let's say we succeed in making an artifical intelligence that is free to come to its own conclusions, make it's own decisions and possibly learn from its mistakes...
Aside from masturbation, why would we?

 

[spidergoat]

Why wouldn't we create our own life forms? It would be a second genesis. If this technology is developed, it could be implanted into our own brains. How would you like telepathy, or to think 10 times faster, or to be able to do advanced math in your head, or call up any information you wish?

 

[one_raven]

How would you like telepathy, or to think 10 times faster, or to be able to do advanced math in your head, or call up any information you wish?

No interest at all.

 

[Stryder]

Hurm.... I can just imagine a Drone asking "Red or Blue"?

 

[sandy]

Who said anything about programming? They would be taught general principles, if anything. Even real humans cannot be moral simply by following a flow chart.

Doesn't teaching mean programming?

 

[CutsieMarie89]

I think it's possible. Computers are already capable of seeing patterns so if AI could manage to learn, just as living creatures manage to learn. Then they could draw their own conclusions and then make decisions based on those conclusions be they correct or incorrect. Which I believe is ethics.

 

[domesticated om]

LOL

I think I have the answer to the question for this whole thread. All you'd have to do is programatically define good and evil, then insert the following code into the routine representing its consciousness

if (action what_you_are_thinking_of_doing != good)
{
    return; 
}