Robots and Dignity: An Afro-communitarian Argument in Eldercare

Abstract

This chapter evaluates the impact eldercare robots could have on human dignity. It specifically seeks to answer the question: under which conditions would the application of robots in eldercare undermine human dignity? This question is motivated by the recent disparity between the number of older persons in need of care and the number of care providers able to give care. While the number of older persons needing care has steadily risen, there has been a shortage of healthcare providers. In addition, negligence and ill-treatment of older persons in care facilities have been reported. These issues have increased the interest and development of care robots. Debates regarding whether it is ethical to enable certain aspects of care for older persons to be relegated to robots have since emanated. One of the chief arguments is that using robots in eldercare would undermine the dignity of older persons. The chapter responds to the proposed question by outlining the approaches to dignity that are salient in the discourse. It then introduces the Afro-communitarian conception of dignity as another plausible approach to evaluate such impact, especially in communitarian societies. It argues that robot-assisted care does not pose much risk in a communitarian setting, while robot-based care is unlikely. This point will be highlighted by evaluating existing and espoused robot technologies within the care paradigm. It concludes that there are more instances where using such robots would benefit the dignity of both the older persons and the community. Thus, conducting such evaluations helps mitigate the risks before such systems are implemented.