The Butler Question

In this thought experiment, I hope to discuss the concerning point we have reached, are at, and are moving towards in our techno-society, policy, & research pursuits

I would like to open with a question, and a story. There is a butler that works for a family. This family cares about this butler and treats them well. The butler enjoys their job, and enjoys working for the family. The butler says, " I will work for you forever. " One day the butler gets injured. The family pays for the medical care which includes replacing part of the butler with robotic parts. Over time, the butler gains more injuries. Each time the family pays for the medical care. Each time, a part of the butler is replaced with robot and mechanical parts. This continues until every part of the butler is robot parts. The butler continues to work for the family. Generations of the family come and go. One day the butler says " I would like to quit. " Can the butler quit?

When I venture to explain my interests and the work I hope to do in the future, this story and question is how I’ve come to explain it. This thought experiment, dubbed The Butler Question, formed in response to technology trends I noticed during the pandemic. I have been asking, telling, and building on it. However, The Butler Question did not start there.

I have been writing this experiment for nearly 3 years. Even when I added it to my application for graduate school, I felt there was still more to add--to ask. I have grown deeply concerned with the course of future-tech, and though I hoped to release this question as part of a paper or published research work, I feel that it is too late to wait. I hope this question finds you, and I hope this story make you think. We are at the precipice of something very dangerous.

All written work above are owned by Eli Boahen, and cannot be used without express permission from them.