GITS: SAC - "Android and I" - On Machine Ethics

In the third episode of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, the Section 9 team investigates a string of mass suicides by androids who are infected by a virus planted during routine maintenance. These androids are very old-model, with limited autonomy and functionality.

Of particular note is that this episode discusses the cultural implications of machine integration into society. In one vein, it is discussed that since androids aren't really human, assigning such a deep emotional term as suicide to their termination is unnecessary, but is that the case? As mechanical beings develop their artificial intelligence, it is entirely possible that they could end up with emotional processes similar to a human's. They could develop morals and ethics. They could demand equality in perception and treatment.


While speculative, articles on the future of artificial intelligence have grappled with the ethics of owning an android, or forcing them into indentured servitude. Not to mention countless films have weighed the potentials of a robotic revolution.

Even if android AI never reaches that point, there are other ethical issues to consider. The specific android type is that of a young woman. Major Kusanagi, the protagonist, refers to the objectification of this type of android as rather sexist. On one hand, it can be argued that the android is simply an interactive doll, not designed to be anything more than that. Since traditional sex dolls are not treated as elements of a sexist society, androids should not be either under this logic.

But what if androids were on the same level as humans? Then this would be sexism through and through because it is the objectification of another being based on what sex they are. Hence we're back to the original argument of equality between man and machine.

There is no easy answer.