Final answer:
Debate over the potential for artificial intimacy centers on whether robots can truly replicate human empathy, given our unique biological and evolutionary traits. Ethical considerations also arise regarding the treatment and rights of conscious machines and the broader societal impact of AI that may exceed human control.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether there will ever be an age of artificial intimacy is a topic of ongoing debate in philosophy and artificial intelligence (AI) ethics. The argument that only humans, not robots, can provide empathy is rooted in the uniqueness of the human experience and the intrinsic qualities of empathy and consciousness that are tied to biological entities. Humans' ability to empathize is deeply linked to our evolutionary history, cognitive development, and emotional capacity. It is a result of our complex brain functions, social interactions, and, as research by Pat Shipman suggests, our historical relationships with other living beings such as animals. Some argue that since AI and robots lack this biological and evolutionary groundwork, they cannot truly replicate human empathy.
On the other hand, proponents of AI development suggest that if future robots or androids are able to act and express "feelings" and "thoughts," it would challenge the notion of a non-physical mind and perhaps redefine our understanding of consciousness and empathy. However, the ethical dimensions concerning the treatment and rights of potential conscious androids generate additional questions, such as whether turning off a conscious android would equate to murder. Concerns over AI extend to practical implications as well, with fears about cybercrime, job loss, and the potential for AI to exceed human control or fail to align with human values, as highlighted by Nick Bostrom. Ultimately, the possibility of artificial intimacy raises complex questions about humanity's relationship with technology and the potential ethical and social ramifications of creating entities that can mimic human emotions and consciousness.