Robots as Other: A Postphenomenological Consideration

• In Event: Postphenomenology - II: Technological Otherness

Abstract

As many examples indicate, technological objects are increasingly experienced as an “other” or a “quasi-other”. Especially, in the progression of technology of intelligent robots or social robots, robots are experienced as an “other”. This situation demands us to consider the new configuration, namely new relations between humans and robots. To pursue such considerations, postphenomenological investigations provide plentiful insights. According to it, technology can interact with human beings as a quasi-other, and when we experience a type of technology as a quasi-other it needs to have a kind of independence and an interaction with humans. However, as robots become more autonomous and interactive, we seem to be approaching the point of experiencing technology not only as a “quasi-other” but also as a “real” other. To describe such a situation, I introduce a concept of “another-other” and “technologically mediated intersubjectivity”, drawing on postphenomenological insights. In fact, robots can be experienced as another-other in physical, mental, and personal dimension. Firstly, I will pick up some cases and describes the state of current robotics. Then, I will introduce a philosophical framework to view technology as others and a new relation between humans and robots, using postphenomenological investigations. Finally, I will point out a new philosophical issue concerning existence of robots as other, especially from the viewpoint of education towards robots. It should also be considered the issue of responsibility of robots.

Author

• Hidekazu Kanemitsu, Kanazawa Institute of Technology