The Ethics of Sex Robots

Abstract

What, if anything, is wrong with having sex with a robot? For the sake of this chapter, we will assume that sexbots are ‘mere’ machines that are reliably identifiable as such, despite their human-like appearance and behaviour. Under these stipulations, sexbots themselves can no more be harmed, morally speaking, than your dishwasher. However, there may still be something wrong about the production, distribution, and use of such sexbots. In this chapter, we examine whether sex with robots is intrinsically or instrumentally wrong and critically assess different regulatory responses. They defend a harm reduction approach to sexbot regulation, analogous to the approach that has been considered in other areas, concerning, for example, drugs and sex work.

Unconventional harm reduction interventions for Minor-attracted persons

“…44 Sterri and Earp have advanced the argument that they should be regarded similarly to other mechanisms of harm reduction such as those found in addressing substance addiction. 45 Critics have asserted that these robots are "inspired by a non-empathetic form of encounter that is manifest in the sex trade" and may further the objectification of actual women and girls. 46 Some commentators have even raised the prospect that the robots themselves have intrinsic rights; yet if that were the case, it would still be incumbent upon robot-rights advocates to demonstrate that such rights should take priority over child welfare.…”

Making RealDolls regulation at the border work

“…Then, there are sexbots, robots designed to interact sexually with humans. Technological innovation has blurred the boundary between RealDolls and sexbots, as the sexual interaction feature was added to RealDolls (Sterri and Earp, 2021).…”

“…Apart from the reasons above, scholars like Sterri and Earp (2021) pointed out that while the consumption of RealDolls may cause some problems, banning them outright may not be the most effective way to reduce the adverse effects caused. Instead, they argued that the trade-offs of regulating or not regulating RealDolls should be carefully weighed.…”