Kosher Robots are coming
I enjoyed watching Humans on Channel 4, the dystopian alternative where humanoid robots are common place. The interaction between humans and robots was fascinating, as were the moral issues it raised. But it won't happen for years in reality...
It is now July 2017, and the Daily Telegraph published an article stating that doll brothels already operate in South Korea, Japan and Spain, and similar services are available in West London. It seems things are moving fast in this area. A whole new lexicon will become mainstream.
The moral issues around robots (e.g. see http://responsiblerobotics.org) are widely discussed on the internet, so won't dwell on them here. But I was thinking: How will Orthodox Judaism react as more human-like and attractive robots come on the market. One day, a Rabbi may get a call from a woman complaining that their husband is paying too much attention to their domestic android? Or will men complain about competition from their butler-bot with the silicon six-pack? Cases may even reach the Beth Din. Current hot topics like the rights and wrongs of Partnership Minyanim or platonic single sex relationships will have competition in the controversy stakes.
I think the solution for the Charedi world will be similar to the certified kosher phones. Those currently on sale include internet filters that are designed to keep out objectionable content. Therefore, if you can't beat them, join them: there will be kosher certified robots. Maybe not for a few years. But, if your droid looks like Robby the Robot (rather than Julia Roberts) and has no bits and bobs, there is no temptation to visit Forbidden Planet.
It is now July 2017, and the Daily Telegraph published an article stating that doll brothels already operate in South Korea, Japan and Spain, and similar services are available in West London. It seems things are moving fast in this area. A whole new lexicon will become mainstream.
The moral issues around robots (e.g. see http://responsiblerobotics.org) are widely discussed on the internet, so won't dwell on them here. But I was thinking: How will Orthodox Judaism react as more human-like and attractive robots come on the market. One day, a Rabbi may get a call from a woman complaining that their husband is paying too much attention to their domestic android? Or will men complain about competition from their butler-bot with the silicon six-pack? Cases may even reach the Beth Din. Current hot topics like the rights and wrongs of Partnership Minyanim or platonic single sex relationships will have competition in the controversy stakes.
I think the solution for the Charedi world will be similar to the certified kosher phones. Those currently on sale include internet filters that are designed to keep out objectionable content. Therefore, if you can't beat them, join them: there will be kosher certified robots. Maybe not for a few years. But, if your droid looks like Robby the Robot (rather than Julia Roberts) and has no bits and bobs, there is no temptation to visit Forbidden Planet.
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