Are Robots to be Created in Our Own Image? Testing the Ethical Equivalence of Robots and Humans
This academic paper investigates whether humans hold artificial systems to the same ethical standards as humans, an underlying assumption of artificial morality research. Through a series of survey-based studies assessing acceptable behavior for robots and human caregivers, the authors find little evidence to reject the assumption that people hold robots to the same ethical standards as humans. Consequently, the study concludes that ethical norms governing human-robot interaction can be modeled on existing moral norms regulating human-human interaction.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
AI researchers, roboticists, and ethicists should read this to understand whether human-robot interaction can rely on standard human moral norms.
What the document contains
The paper covers empirical survey-based research testing the ethical equivalence of robots and humans in caregiving and interactive contexts. It evaluates how people judge robot versus human behavior to determine if artificial morality systems can rely on human ethical frameworks.
The text does not provide binding regulatory frameworks, legal compliance mandates, or formal enforcement mechanisms for robot deployment.
- Research into artificial morality often assumes that humans hold artificial systems to the same ethical standards as humans.
- A series of survey-based studies tested this hidden assumption regarding acceptable behavior for robots compared to human caregivers.
- The studies found little evidence for rejecting the assumption that people hold artificial systems to the same ethical standards as humans.
- The findings suggest that ethical norms for human-robot interaction can safely be modeled on existing human-human moral norms.
· Abstract · Introduction · Methods and Results of Surveys · Discussion · Declarations and References
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
0/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
screening score · 2026-10-24
Fairness
0/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
screening score · 2026-10-24
Human Dignity
0/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
screening score · 2026-10-24
Human Oversight
0/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
screening score · 2026-10-24
Privacy
0/5Protection of personal data and private life
screening score · 2026-10-24
Transparency
0/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
screening score · 2026-10-24
Enforcement
0/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
screening score · 2026-10-24
Impact Assessment
0/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
screening score · 2026-10-24