Hokkaido Workshop on Philosophy and Ethics of AI “Moral and legal questions about artificial agents”

Hokkaido Workshop on Philosophy and Ethics of AI “Moral and legal questions about artificial agents”

Recent developments in AI and robotics have urged philosophers to reconsider the traditional dichotomy between humans and machines and question how we should coexist with artificial agents––that is, intelligent machines, such as chatbots and social robots, that appear to possess agency. The aim of this workshop is to explore this deeply philosophical and increasingly urgent question by fostering discussion among researchers with various backgrounds. We welcome Professor David J. Gunkel (Northern Illinois University) as our keynote speaker, a leading scholar on this topic, renowned for his Machine Question trilogy—The Machine Question (2012), Robot Rights (2018), and Person, Thing, Robot (2023)—advocating a relational approach to robot rights.

Call for Proposals

The workshop includes 2-3 slots for oral presentations. If you are interested in being a speaker, submit a proposal by December 31, 2024, midnight, to [email protected] in Word or PDF format. The proposal must include a title and 300-500 words abstract of the talk.

Possible topics include (but are not limited to):

• Moral and legal status of artificial agents;

• Nature of natural and artificial agency;

• Phenomenology of ‘social’ interactions with artificial agents;

• Psychological and social consequences of artificial agents;

• Ethical issues regarding design and development of artificial agents;

• Cross-cultural perspectives on questions regarding artificial agents, etc.

Limited financial support may be available towards travel and accommodation costs for selected presenters. Please indicate your need for financial assistance in your proposal.

Date: Friday, February 27, 2025, 10:00-18:00 (Subject to change)

Venue: Hokkaido University Conference Hall, Room 1 学術交流会館, 第⼀会議室 https://maps.app.goo.gl/HUeQ9dJRRA9tD8Y38

Participation Fee: Free of charge

Language: English

Organizer: Katsunori Miyahara (Center for Human Nature, Artificial Intelligence, and Neuroscience (CHAIN), Hokkaido University)