Paul Healy

Papers

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About

Paul Healy is a leading voice in the philosophy of technology and human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on the ethical and relational dimensions of social robotics. His most-cited work, "Social robots as partners?" (2022, 6 citations), critically examines whether robots can ever truly function as relational partners in the Buberian sense of an "I-Thou" encounter. Drawing on phenomenology and dialogical philosophy, Healy argues that while robots may simulate companionship, they lack the genuine intersubjectivity required for authentic partnership—a contribution that has shaped debates on robot ethics and human-centered design. Beyond this landmark paper, Healy’s research spans the ethics of care, artificial intelligence, and the social implications of emerging technologies. His work is distinguished by its rigorous philosophical grounding and its relevance to engineers, designers, and policymakers grappling with the integration of robots into daily life. Though his citation count is modest, Healy’s influence is growing, particularly among scholars questioning the limits of machine agency. His writing challenges us to rethink what it means to relate, care, and coexist with non-human others—a timely and provocative call for critical reflection in an age of rapid automation.