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This robot makes the ethical choice

Two researchers have programmed a robot to behave ethically so that it makes morally sound decisions.

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Two researchers have programmed a robot to behave ethically so that it makes morally sound decisions. Based on certain facts and outcomes, the robot must weigh a decision and then make choices about what to do, Discovery News reported.

Philosopher Susan Anderson and her research partner and husband Mich-ael Anderson, a computer scientist, created the robot based on an approach to ethics developed in 1930 by Scottish philosopher David Ross.

The approach takes into account the obligations a person must face — such as being just, doing good, not causing harm, keeping a promise — when deciding how to act in a moral way.

The situation is rooted in the medical field, where the robot’s duties involve reminding patients to take medicines. A human would judge how often to remind a patient to take medicine and whether or not to inform the doctor if the patient refuses to take the medicine. But how do you programme a robot to do that?

The robot’s programme weighs the benefits the patient will have if she takes medicines, the harm that may come if she doesn’t and her right to autonomy.

The robot reminds patients to take medication, and after the patient says ‘no’ a few times, decides to tell the doctor. The disadvantage is not knowing what the machine will do if the patient says she will take the medication, but doesn’t. The patient could flip the off switch.

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