Ethical Limitations on science

Sofia is an advanced humanoid artificial robot that  is able to resemble 62 human expressions and perform human activities. She has been covered by the media worldwide. She has been awarded a UN Title as the first innovation champion, being the first ever non human to receive a UN title, participated in prestigious interviews and most importantly, she was granted citizenship by the government of Saudi Arabia. This struck controversy, not by the scientific community but the Saudi Arabian women community. 
To begin with, scientists create robots in order to enhance the lives of humans which is why they strive in order to create inventions that resembles and understands human activity. The irony here is that Sophia the robot, made to enhance human lives, is granted citizenship by a country in which it is filled with discriminated individuals.
Saudi Arabia, a country that is failing it its human rights record and accused of discriminating women, granted citizenship to a female robot that is more respected by the Saudi government than pure blood Saudi Arabian women themselves. Saudi Arabia also does not grant citizenship to foreign workers, even those who have been working in the country for generations. 
Some things that Sophia was criticized of includes her not wearing a hijab, even though Saudi Arabian women are required to wear a hijab in public. She was criticized for not being a Muslim because Saudi Arabian citizens are required to become a Muslim. Saudi Arabian law also states that women are required to have a male guardian accompanying them at all times, while Sophia the robot is just running around and enjoying her freedom. 
This puts the idea in Saudi Arabian women that in order for them to enjoy equal rights, they are required to be a robot. It was also suggested that if Sophia applied for citizenship as a human, she would not be granted. This also brings up the topic whether Saudi Arabia do not favor their citizens as much as they favor technological creations. 
The strict laws of Saudi Arabia are based on the Islamic law which brings religion into play. Religion is only applicable to those humans who chose to follow it. 

Comments

  1. Mahzarin KatrakFebruary 6, 2018 at 11:37 PM

    I agree with what you are saying, Raihan. AI has come a long way and by giving an artificial "human" human traits, it could lead to a "super-human" being formed. However, Sophia could potentially aid humans in making their lives better. If more Sophias could be made, they could run labour-intensive factories, reducing the costs for manufacturers. The possibilities could be endless, but those possibilities should not risk the power humans have over AI.

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