Service Robots and Autonomy Quiz

Science, Technology, and Society

• The concept of human flourishing, also known as Eudaimonia, was coined by Aristotle to describe the pinnacle of happiness that is attainable by humans.
• It arises from a combination of factors such as phronesis, friendship, wealth, and power.
• In ancient Greece, acquiring these qualities was believed to bring happiness and allow individuals to partake in greater "good".

Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment

• This law states that traits are passed independently of other traits from parents to offspring.
• Every living thing has traits that are passed from parents to offspring through gene transmission.
• Genes are located in chromosomes and consist of DNA, which is passed to the offspring through reproduction.

Genetic Theory

• The principle of biology states that traits are passed from parents to offspring through gene transmission.
• Mendel's Law of Segregation and Independent Assortment are fundamental principles of genetics.

Cradles of Early Science Development

• Mesoamerica includes the entire area of Central America from Southern Mexico to the border of South America.
• The Maya Civilization lasted for approximately 2,000 years and was known for its advanced knowledge of astronomy and mathematics.
• The Maya developed technologies such as hydraulic systems with sophisticated waterways and created a number system that included the concept of zero.

The Inca Civilization

• The Inca Civilization flourished in ancient Peru between 1400 and 1533 CE and developed scientific ideas and tools such as:
  • Roads paved with stones
  • Stone buildings that could withstand earthquakes and other disasters
  • Irrigation systems and techniques for storing water for crops
  • A calendar with 12 months to mark religious festivals and prepare for planting season
  • The first suspension bridge

Robotics

• A service robot is a robot that performs useful tasks for humans or equipment, excluding industrial automation applications.
• Types of service robots include:
  • Personal service robots for non-commercial tasks
  • Professional service robots for commercial tasks
• The Laws of Robotics, as outlined by Isaac Asimov, include:
  • 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 the orders given by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
  • Law Three: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Robotics

• Robots raise ethical questions about safety and responsibility, such as who is to blame if a robot harms someone.
• The potential future ethical dilemma of robots having emotions as technology advances is also a concern.
• Another problem is when the machine develops the ability to think for itself, leading to questions about autonomy and responsibility.