Dignity, older people, and robots

This paper explores the relationship between dignity and robot companions for the elderly. It highlights concerns about the maintenance of the dignity of vulnerable elderly people, and points out some of the contradictory uses of the word ‘dignity’. Some authors have resolved the contradictions by identifying different senses; contrasting the inviolable dignity inherent in human life to other forms of dignity, such as dignity of merit, dignity of moral or existential stature, and dignity of identity which can be present to varying degrees. The Capability Approach (CA) is focused on here for its provision of a tangible approach to what it means to live a life worthy of human dignity. There are real ethical concerns that robot pets could lead to a reduction in the amount of human contact experienced by the frail elderly, and that they involve deception. However, if the CA is used as a framework for the assessment of the possible effects of robot pets on human dignity, it can be argued that robot pets could expand the capabilities that are accessible to older people. Further evidence is needed, but robot pets such as the Paro seal robot could give frail elderly people with dementia the possibility of improved health and reduced anxiety, and might offer increased opportunity to form attachments to things outside themselves, and to engage in forms of social interaction.