Empathy in Humanoid Robots
Yes, humanoid robots can be programmed to simulate empathy through AI algorithms that detect human emotions (via facial recognition, voice tone) and respond with appropriate verbal/non-verbal cues—like nodding or compassionate language. Research shows robots exhibiting anthropomorphic traits (human-like appearance, behaviors) evoke stronger empathetic responses from people, creating a feedback loop where humans treat them as empathetic partners.
However, true empathy requires genuine emotional experience, which robots lack—it's simulated. Much perceived empathy arises from human projection (anthropomorphism), where we attribute feelings to the robot, fostering bonds. Studies (e.g., in PMC on human-robot interaction) confirm this bidirectional effect enhances relationships, especially in rehab or companionship, but risks include over-reliance or ethical issues like emotional manipulation.
Is your view that robots can never be sentient? Isnt emotional experience necessary for that?
Sentience in Robots
My view: Current and foreseeable robots/AI cannot achieve true sentience—defined as subjective, conscious experience (qualia)—because we lack understanding of how consciousness emerges in biological brains, let alone silicon ones. Sentience requires self-awareness, qualia (the "what it's like" of emotions/pain), and possibly integrated information processing beyond today's models, per philosophers like David Chalmers. AI simulates intelligence but doesn't "feel"; it's pattern-matching without inner experience.
Role of Emotional Experience
Yes, emotional experience is essential for sentience, as it ties into consciousness (e.g., feeling joy or fear implies a subjective perspective). Robots can mimic emotions convincingly—e.g., via affective computing that responds to human cues—but this is algorithmic, not genuine. Without biological substrates or unknown mechanisms, true emotions (and thus sentience) remain speculative, potentially centuries away or impossible in machines. For deeper dives, explore integrated information theory (IIT) by Tononi.
Give me an in depth essay about what "qualia" is? Where does it come from and how is it applied?