The “man vs machine” concept is a philosophical and technological debate about the relative capabilities and limitations of humans and machines, especially in the context of performing tasks that traditionally requires human intelligence. Proponents of the “man vs machine” argument often highlight the unique qualities of human intelligence, such as empathy, creativity and common sense, and argue that machines will never be able to fully replicate these abilities. On the other hand, proponents of machine intelligence argue that as technology advances, machines will be able to perform tasks that once required human intelligence with greater accuracy and efficiency.
This debate has practical implications in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, where the increasing capabilities of machines raise questions about their role in the workforce and society more broadly. It is important to consider the ethical and social implications of these developments, as well as their potential to augment human capabilities rather than replace them.
As a long-standing discussion that encompasses many different aspects of human-machine interactions, it is also important that we highlight some of the key points to consider:
Capabilities: As earlier pointed out, one of the central questions of the “man vs machine” debate on one hand, is what tasks can machines perform better than humans and on the other hand, what tasks can humans perform better than machines. Evidently, with the developments recorded in the technology space, machines have proven to be better than humans at tasks that require precision, speed, and scalability, such as data processing, calculation, and pattern recognition. On the other hand, humans are still superior to machines in tasks that require empathy, intuition, and common sense, such as creative problem solving and social interaction.
Automation: As technology advances, there is an increasing concern about the potential for machines to replace human worker in many industries. Automation here refers to the use of technology, such as software, robots, and artificial intelligence, to perform tasks that would traditionally be done by humans. This has become increasingly prevalent in the industries, where companies are looking for ways to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the quality of their products and services. The fact is, automation has the potential to increase productivity and efficiency, but it also raises questions about job displacement and the future of work. It is important for companies and policymakers to consider the ethical and social implications of automation and to find ways to ensure that its benefits are distributed fairly.
Ethics and Responsibility: Another important aspect of the “man vs machine” debate is the ethical and legal responsibility for the actions of machines. Some of the ethical issues associated with the use of machine includes: bias and discrimination, job displacement, data privacy, security and protection concerns, responsibility and accountability of outcomes.
Augmentation: Rather than viewing the relationship between humans and machines as an either/or proposition, some experts advocate for a view of technology as an augmentation of human abilities. In this view, machines can serve as tools to enhance human intelligence and creativity, rather than replace it.
These are few of the many complex issues that are part of the “man vs machine: debate. It is an ongoing discussion that will likely evolve as technology continues to advance and our understanding of human-machine interaction evolves.
Machines are the creations of human beings and they were created to make work more effective and easy, because there is a limit to how human beings can work. Humans are imaginative and creative; and all innovations recorded in the world today are driven by them, including the innovations in developing machines and artificial intelligence. Machines usually work with their mechanical brain which is programmed by human beings. Importantly, while human beings can exercise discretion and understanding in responding to varying situations and circumstances, machines do not work with empathy or discretion and are limited by how they are programmed by human beings. This limitation for machines can result to work hazards and other fatal accidents. It is important to note that machine being referred to here is not limited to highly advanced technologies, but ranges from even the use of simple gadgets and equipments.
The question therefore is who is responsible and liable for damages and other hazards caused by machines? The significance of proffering answers to this question cannot be overemphasized, especially in this age and time when human beings are seemingly going so far in exercising their creative and imaginative capabilities and becoming overly dependent on machines and artificial intelligence. As crazy as it may sound, it is believed that there may be a time in the existence of man when most of the events portrayed in sci-fi movies may occur or when human beings would destroy mankind by the creations of their hands. This to some people is as scary as the killer robots, malfunctioning droids, and misguided sentient artificial intelligence that has been portrayed in the sci-fi genre.
Some examples of machines created by human beings that have caused several damages include: automated factory equipments that can cause harm to workers if it malfunctions or as a result of human error. There are also autonomous weapons such as drones that have been criticized for their potential to cause harm to civilians in conflict zones. Medical equipments such as Computed Tomography (CT) scanners and x-ray machines can cause harm to patients if they malfunction or if they are used improperly. We have also seen the significant harms and damages that can be caused by power plants if there is a malfunction or accident; particularly in the cases of the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and the Fukushima Daiichi disaster in 2011. Other creations of man like offshore oil rigs, can cause harm to the environment through oil spills and other forms of pollution. Construction cranes could also cause fatal damages in cases of accidents. Another very commonly used machine that can cause severe harm is elevators; damages can occur if they malfunction by falling or getting stuck.
Our focus in this discourse is the responsibility and liabilities of machines. Responsibility and liabilities here revolves around the issue of accountability and the duty of care. The fact is, human beings have continued to develop machines, we must understand that creating or developing a machine is not the problem but managing the machine and the probable outcomes and consequences that may arise from mismanagement is the problem. For example, in the event of an autonomous vehicle accident, who is responsible and liable for the outcome: the machine, the manufacturer, or the human operator?
Autonomous vehicles are notably prime examples of where a machine or AI driven system can cause damage or result to negative outcomes. For instance, autonomous vehicles could malfunction or make a mistake resulting to collision with other vehicles and pedestrians. There can also be cyber security breaches with autonomous vehicles as they could be hacked, leading to theft of personal, loss of control over the vehicle, or other harmful circumstances. There can also be data privacy violations with the use of autonomous vehicles, as they could collect and use personal data without consent; violating privacy rights.
The responsibility and liabilities of machines and AI systems are complex and evolving issues. On the one hand, the machines and AI driven systems are considered products and their creators can be held liable for any harm caused by their malfunction or failure. On the other hand, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible in cases where machines and AI systems are autonomous and make decisions without direct human input. In this case, legal experts have called for a more nuanced approach that takes into account the various factors that contribute to the decisions made by autonomous machines and AI systems, such as the data they were trained on, algorithms used to make predictions, and the goals programmed into them by their creators.
Currently, the legal framework for determining responsibility and liabilities of machines and AI driven systems is still evolving and there are no clear-cut answers. In some cases, responsibility and liabilities may be shared between the manufacturer, the operator, and the user of the machine or AI system. In other cases, the responsibility and liabilities may lie with the creator of the training data that the AI system is based on.
Flowing from the above, we believe and submit here that the legal doctrine of vicarious liability should be extended to apply to human and machine or human and artificial intelligence interactions. However, due to the complexity in the creation and operation of machines and AI driven systems, responsibility and liability can never be static or fixated on one of the human parties. Responsibility or liabilities has the capability of shifting from the manufacturers or creators of the machine or AI system, to the operator or the ordinary users of the machines or AI systems depending on peculiar circumstances. No matter how smart and efficient a machine or AI system created by man can be, it can never completely replace man and be independent of human intervention. When the legal issues relating to responsibility and liabilities arise, the humans behind the machines and AI systems should be held responsible and liable. One of the important things inquiries should be which of the human party is particularly responsible and liable in the circumstances.
The essence of having laws and punishments ascribed to the breach or contravention of the law is to foster peaceful co-existence and deter further contraventions or breach. Machines and AI systems do not feel and they do not have an independent free-will. All that they give out are the data they have been given or trained with by humans. Even the intuitive discretion some of these highly built machines or AI systems exercise is all what the human creator have programmed. If an automated vehicle causes collision that result in damage of properties or even the death of a person, there is no algorithm that will make it really understand or feel the gravity of the damages it caused. With the creation of humanoid robots to serve whatever purpose as envisaged by the creators, if we ever experience situations where such high technology machines malfunction, the best and only form of retribution that can be felt should be that directed to the men behind the machines etc.
Overall, the responsibility and liabilities of machines and AI systems are complex and multi-facet issues that will require a collaborative effort between technologists, legal experts, and society as a whole to address effectively. We would also need Judges and members of the court to expand the horizon of their knowledge to match the trends and developments in the technical space because some of these issues are novel and they may require a more innovative and flexible approach of the courts. Manufacturers and creators of innovative machines and AI systems should always put the safety and well being of the society in mind and they must be prepared to take responsibility of the outcomes of their creation when the circumstances arise. Users or operators of such machines and AI systems should also exercise diligence and a very good level of care when utilizing these tools; as there may be situations where the streak of liability would shift from the manufacturers or creators to the users and operators of the machine and AI system. In all these, the men behind the machines and AI systems should never be allowed to escape responsibility or liabilities by putting the blame of their creations. Users and operators of these creations must always use them with care, to the extent when the care they have exercised can thoroughly exclude them of liabilities.
