Ever since men began living in society, thinkers and philosophers aimed at defining the goal of human beings to attain in order to lead a good life. An individual, according to…
Abstract
Ever since men began living in society, thinkers and philosophers aimed at defining the goal of human beings to attain in order to lead a good life. An individual, according to Plato, is insufficient by himself. Such insufficiency can be overcome only when he joins with others to meet mutual needs. Society is thus a relationship of mutual co‐operation and exchange (Aristotle, Al‐Farabi). In this relationship, everybody expects that ‘justice’ should be done to ensure one's due. Therefore, justice is the supreme value of the society. A societal condition is said to be just or a good or happy one, where everybody is ensured of his due. On the other hand, an unjust or unhappy society is that where a sense of injustice or ‘feeling of deprivation’ exists. Thus justice is a guarantee for happiness and injustice becomes the cause of unhappiness. Justice and happiness are, therefore, inextricably interwoven. Good life or happiness, the universal quest of mankind, can only be achieved, said Aristotle, in a society that is based on justice.
Mohamed Asmy Bin Mohd Thas Thaker, Mohamed Aslam Akbar and Riasat Amin Amin Imon
This paper aims to explore the role and relationship of ethics and morals in technology, specifically examining how Islam, as a religion that emphasizes spirituality and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the role and relationship of ethics and morals in technology, specifically examining how Islam, as a religion that emphasizes spirituality and sacredness, can uniquely influence the concept of robot rights.
Design/methodology/approach
The existing literature on robot rights and Islamic perspectives has been critically reviewed to address the study’s objectives.
Findings
In Islam, robots are viewed similarly to property ownership, where the owner holds responsibilities rather than absolute control. Islamic ownership rights are distinct compared to conventional ownership models. In Islam, private ownership is limited, as God is considered the ultimate owner of all assets. Assets, including robots, must be managed according to Islamic values and ethics. Unlike conventional ownership, where the owner can dispose of their property without justification, Islamic principles grant more rights to assets (including robots). This difference arises from the sacred origins of economic resources in Islam, which extends to the treatment of assets as inputs in an economy. Therefore, spirituality, as defined in Islam, uniquely influences the rights of robots.
Originality/value
As robotics becomes an increasingly significant part of our lives, religion plays a growing role in shaping the ethical and moral framework within which robots operate. This study is among the first to present an integrative framework and evaluate robot rights from an Islamic economics perspective.