Journal of Sacred Work

4 responses to “Days 72-76 – Is Apple The New Apple? Can Compassion Survive the Robot Age?”

1. 

   Terry Chapman

   March 13, 2017

   This one made me think: what if all my “ills” were cured by computer-assisted medicine? And all my immediate needs: air, water, food, shelter, were also provided with sufficient computer assistance. And lastly, what if all my communications were monitored and restricted to 30 minutes each morning, to interact on email & Facebook?
   With no personal human bonding of any kind, would my loved ones, the stars, and the world, be anything like what we are blessed to experience right now: this morning?! My answer is “shouted” as far as my computer can send it: NO, NO, NO!

   LikeLike

   Reply
2. 

   Todd Meador

   March 13, 2017

   Erie, you pose interesting questions. Lots to ponder about.
   Will robots be able to deliver compassionate care in healthcare settings?
   The robot home health or hospice nurse for instance.
   They could be by the beside 24 hours a day. Listening, helping and observing. Will they be able to establish a connection? To be a friend? To convince the patient that they care?
   In many cases it would not be hard for them to do a better job then family members and in others it would be impossible to do a better job. Regardless, it is challenging for most families to be available 24 hours a day.
   The big question for me is – do we want to connect, be friends with and care about a robot?

   LikeLike

   Reply
3. 

   ~liz Wessel

   March 13, 2017

   Provocative post, Erie. There seems to be many advances on the uses of robots in patient care. I’ve heard of robots providing companionship to Alzheimer’s patients, assisting people with disabilities with rehab exercises, passing out meal trays out to patients in hospitals, reminding home care patients to take their meds etc.
   According to the Hasting Center on bioethics, on the horizon is a new gene editing technique that has radically simplified scientists ability to change genomes. It holds enormous potential for improving human health. Yet, this too raises profound questions as you suggest about core human values on love, compassion, acceptance, respect for those with disabilities, and humility.
   Our exploration and development of technology is certainly creating a brave new world. Each advancement brings wonderful potential as well as serious ethical issues and potential harm. It seems as though there is no turning back as innovations continue to explode exponentially. When we consider how plastic changed our way of life and led to a disposable society, we now see some of the devastation it is reeking on our environment and the need to reverse course.
   I would like to believe that nothing can substitute for human kindness, such as when one turning towards suffering with a listening heart or provides care with a loving intention, laughs with us and or cries with us. Often that kind of companioning goes way beyond mere words.

   LikeLike

   Reply
4. 

   sbeng

   March 17, 2017

   Interesting subject. Lately I had visited a computer store and browsed around to see what other latest devices they have on display. I spotted a cylindrical device which can give an answer verbally through the built in microphone to any questions a customer asked. I was intrigued. Emotional responses are expressed through human beings and members of the animal kingdom. We are wonderfully made by the Lord.

   LikeLike

   Reply