Machine Behaviour (Originally Published 2019 by Springer Nature)

Abstract

Machines powered by artificial intelligence increasingly mediate our social, cultural, economic, and political interactions. This chapter frames and surveys the emerging interdisciplinary field of machine behaviour: the scientific study of behaviour exhibited by intelligent machines. It outlines the key research themes, questions, and landmark research studies that exemplify this field. The chapter starts by providing background on the study of machine behaviour and the necessarily interdisciplinary nature of this science. It then provides a framework for the conceptualisation of studies of machine behaviour. The chapter closes with a call for the scientific study of machine and human–machine ecologies and discusses some of the technical, legal, and institutional barriers that are faced by researchers in this field. Finally, studying intelligent algorithmic or robotic systems can result in legal and ethical problems for researchers studying machine behaviour.