Athena McLean

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About

Athena McLean is a leading voice in the ethics of care robotics, with her work centering on the intersection of gerontology, assistive technology, and human dignity. Her most cited paper, “The concept of social dignity as a yardstick to delimit ethical use of robotic assistance in the care of older persons” (2021, 15 citations), introduces a novel ethical framework that moves beyond standard principles like autonomy and well-being. McLean argues that “social dignity”—the preservation of an individual’s social identity and relational worth—should serve as the primary benchmark for evaluating robotic care interventions. This contribution is particularly significant as it addresses the widespread fear that robots might replace, rather than augment, human caregiving. By proposing a clear, actionable yardstick, McLean provides ethicists, designers, and policymakers with a tool to ensure technology enhances rather than diminishes the personhood of older adults. Her work is notable for bridging abstract ethical theory with practical design considerations, making her a key figure in the responsible integration of AI into elder care. McLean’s research continues to shape debates on how to maintain human connection in an increasingly automated world.