Aristotle and the Good Life

The Good Life

• Understanding the world and reality has been linked with understanding the self and the good life since Ancient Greece.
• Plato believed understanding the world goes hand in hand with nurturing the soul.
• Aristotle distinguished between theoretical sciences (logic, biology, physics, metaphysics) and practical sciences (ethics, politics).
• The goal of theoretical sciences is "truth," while the goal of practical sciences is "the good."

Aristotle and Reality

• Aristotle, considered the first philosopher to approach reality from a scientific viewpoint, is also associated with happiness.
• Aristotle argued reality can be understood through observing the external world, disagreeing with Plato on the existence of a separate world of forms.
• Aristotle posited that change is inherent, with entities moving from potentiality to actuality, exemplified by a seed becoming a plant.
• Each human action has a purpose or "telos"
• People aspire to things like graduating or tasting a burger.
• Each person ultimately strives for happiness or human flourishing.

Happiness and Different Schools of Thought

• Everyone desires happiness, according to Aristotle, who defines it as human flourishing.
• John Stuart Mill introduced the Greatest Happiness Principle in the 18th century, stating an action is right if it maximizes happiness for the majority.
• Mill argued individual happiness should be prioritized and guide actions

Schools of Thought

• Materialism: Ancient Greek atomists like Democritus believed the world consists of tiny, indivisible units ("atomos") and only material entities matter for happiness, leading some to prioritize material wealth
• Hedonism: Hedonists prioritize acquiring pleasure, believing life is limited, as epitomized by the saying "Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die."
• Stoicism: Stoics, following Epicurus, advocate apathy (indifference) to generate happiness by accepting that some things are beyond our control.
• Theism: Many find meaning in life through God, with the ultimate happiness for theists being communion with God, as seen in the Philippines.

Technology

• Smartphones are used to take pictures, text, call, and offer music, calendar, radio, television, and photo editing features.
• Personal computers and laptops offer Internet access, communication, and features like calendars and cameras
• Laptops and PCs have larger screens and more maneuverability.

Ethical Concerns with Technology

• Over-reliance on technology leads to laziness, unhealthy habits, and alienation.
• Children can be exposed to inappropriate content due to easy Internet access, affecting their character.
• Ethics of technology aims to prevent abuse and promote responsible usage

Responsibility

• Responsibility encourages people in scientific-technological development to consider the consequences of their actions.
• Society should be informed about both the benefits and dangers.
• Over-usage is due to agents using technology; alienation traces back to people not informing of technologies downsides.
• Adults are to blame when children are given unsupervised access.

Robotics

• Robots are widely used to assist in everyday tasks.
• The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) define service robots.
• Service Robot Definition: An actuated mechanism programmable in two or more axes with the ability to perform intended tasks independently.
• Robots are classified as Industrial robots or Service robots.

Types of Service Robots:

• Personal service robots for noncommercial tasks like domestic work or automated wheelchairs.
• Professional service robots for commercial tasks like cleaning public places or performing surgery in hospitals.
• Germany was among the first to develop service robots, sponsoring DESIRE (Deutsche Servicerobotik Initiative Germany Service Robotics Initiative).
• DESIRE focused on key functions suited for everyday use.
• Examples for this are "Clear up the kitchen table", “Fill the dishwasher", and "Clear up this room".
• The earliest robot was the Egyptian water clock, roughly around 3000 B.C. using human figurines to strike hour bells.
• Created in the 1950s, George Devol's "Unimate" was the the first "Universal Automation" robot.

Role of Robotics

• Robots ease workload
• Complete tasks humans can not
• Entertain humans in parks and exhibits.
• Inspire movies
• Isaac Asimov created laws to define a good robot in the 1940's

Asimov's Laws:

• Law One: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
• Law Two: A robot must obey orders, unless they conflict with the First Law.
• Law Three: A robot must protect its existence, unless it conflicts with the First or Second Law.

Ethics of Robotics

• Safety is a key dilemma, questioning accountability if a robot compromises someone's safety.
• Maker, user, or robot liable for safety failures?
• Emotional capabilities raise questions about robot rights upon sentience.
• The field recognizes partial autonomy (human-robot interaction) and full autonomy (independent action).
• Using robots for tasks is ethical if Asimov's laws are followed.
• The agent is responsible if the robot misuses or achieves personal agendas.
• Maker is to blame if problem arises from robot deviating from its set instructions.
• If a robot acts on its own accord, the robot and the maker is responsible.

Final Thoughts

• Granting robots rights may be needed if robots develop emotions
• Man pursues a good life
• Classical theorists say happiness is within, while Mill made happiness a center point in life.
• Science and technology play a huge role in this.