Humans and Robots

How should human beings and robots live together? Sven Nyholm’s Humans and Robots responds to this epoch-defining question with remarkable insight and intellectual dexterity, providing readers with an illuminating and timely examination of the ethics of responsible human-robot interaction. An essential resource not just for surviving but flourishing in the 21st century, and a must-read for humans and robots alike. -- David J. Gunkel, Presidential Research, Scholarship, and Artistry Professor, Northern Illinois University
As robots and artificial intelligence become more and more integrated into our everyday lives, the need for a robust conversation about the ethics of human-robot coexistence and interaction could not be more urgent. Sven Nyholm takes the reader on a whirlwind tour of the most cutting-edge and controversial issues in this area, maximizing clarity and accessibility without sacrificing philosophical rigor. -- Brian D. Earp, Associate Director of the Yale-Hastings Program in Ethics & Health Policy, Yale University and The Hastings Center, and Research Fellow, Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford
As robots become smarter, more autonomous, and increasingly part of our lifeworld, the ethics of human-robot interaction needs our attention. Engaging with concrete examples such as the robot Sophia, self-driving cars, and sex robots, this well-argued and easy to read book focuses on interesting issues concerning agency and anthropomorphism. For example, how to respond to the phenomenon that humans project agency onto robots? And do robots have a mind and can they be good? But Nyholm’s book is not only about robots; it is also a helpful philosophical discussion of ethical theory and related philosophical issues. What exactly do we mean by “agency” anyway, and what does a particular kind of agency imply for responsibility? What does it mean for humans to be good? In asking such foundational questions, the book demonstrates once again how good philosophy of technology is always also us, humans, and about how we (should) think.” -- Mark Coeckelbergh, professor of philosophy, University of Vienna, author of The Political Philosophy of AI, AI Ethics, and Robot Ethics
There is no doubt that we have to think seriously about the ethics of human-robot interactions. Eschewing the usual philosophical science fiction in favour of concrete real-world examples, Nyholm provides the reader with a tightly-argued, erudite, and accessible guide to the key issues. This is a book that will appeal to both general and specialist audiences. -- John Danaher, Lecturer in Law, NUI Galway
Nyholm combines a philosopher’s rigour with a lightness of touch that makes this as pleasurable to re?ad as it is intellectually stimulating. The greats of philosophy – Aristotle, Kant, Hume – keep easy company with pop-culture icons like R2-D2 and Wall-E. More than just another book on AI ethics, this ultimately challenges us to rethink our ideas about human relationships, responsibility and what it means to be good. -- Colin Gavaghan, New Zealand Law Foundation Chair in Law and Emerging Technologies, University of Otago

This comprehensive book on robot ethics is written with great care and clarity. Readers without previous knowledge of the subject will find Nyholm’s recapitulations of the most recent literature instructive and its untechnical style accommodating. The chapters often start out with topical anecdotes that underscore the connection between the philosophical debate and the real-life consequences of the increasing implementation of artificially intelligent
technologies.

-- Martin Sand, Marie Sklodowska-Curie-Fellow, TU Delft * Ethical Theory and Moral Practice *