Can we defend the values of human-robot and human-AI intimate relationships?

Abstract

Some philosophers argue that human-AI/robot intimate relationships are equally valuable as human-human intimate relationships. However, are such claims justified? In this paper, I argue that the following dilemmas exist in defending the value of human-AI/robot intimate relationships. On the one hand, (1) assuming the typical account of the value of human-human intimate relationships, humans and current AI/robots cannot have a valuable intimate relationship. On the other hand, (2) not assuming the typical account of the value of human-human intimate relationships, we can defend the value of human-AI/robot intimate relationships. However, adequately capturing the value of intimate relationships, in general, is difficult. In this paper, I explain this dilemma and then organize ways out. Next, I evaluate the existing approaches and argue that they do not escape the dilemma. Finally, I propose a hedonistic solution to the dilemma and defend this solution.