The'Robotic Divide'and the Framework of Recognition: Re-Articulating the Question of Fair Access to Robotic Technologies

TY - JOUR

T1 - The'Robotic Divide'and the Framework of Recognition

T2 - Re-Articulating the Question of Fair Access to Robotic Technologies

AU - Pirni, Alberto

AU - Lucivero, Federica

PY - 2013/12

Y1 - 2013/12

N2 - New technologies create new divides between the haves and the have-nots, thereby contributing to the creation of new or entrenchment of existing inequalities. This makes the issue of 'fair access' more complex. In this contribution, we propose to shift the conceptual and normative frame that is used in political theory debate concerning the 'digital/robotic divide' from a matter of 'redistribution of resources' to a matter of 'recognition of differences'. In so doing, we first define the concept, as well as characteristics and implications of the 'robotic divide'. Secondly, a new descriptive and normative way of framing the 'question of recognition' is outlined. After proposing this conceptual and normative framework, we reflect on its meaning in the context of fair access to assistive robotics, by engaging in a dialogue with the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and Sen and Nussbaum's Capability Approach.

AB - New technologies create new divides between the haves and the have-nots, thereby contributing to the creation of new or entrenchment of existing inequalities. This makes the issue of 'fair access' more complex. In this contribution, we propose to shift the conceptual and normative frame that is used in political theory debate concerning the 'digital/robotic divide' from a matter of 'redistribution of resources' to a matter of 'recognition of differences'. In so doing, we first define the concept, as well as characteristics and implications of the 'robotic divide'. Secondly, a new descriptive and normative way of framing the 'question of recognition' is outlined. After proposing this conceptual and normative framework, we reflect on its meaning in the context of fair access to assistive robotics, by engaging in a dialogue with the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and Sen and Nussbaum's Capability Approach.

U2 - 10.5235/17579961.5.2.147

DO - 10.5235/17579961.5.2.147

M3 - Article

SN - 1757-997X

VL - 5

SP - 147

EP - 171

JO - Law, Innovation and Technology

JF - Law, Innovation and Technology

IS - 2

ER -