Ethics beyond the Human ; A post- humanist reading of lan McEwan's machines like me

Abstract

This research analyzes the ethical, societal, and relational consequences of artificial intelligence in Ian McEwan’s Machines Like Me through a post-humanist perspective. Utilizing Rosi Braidotti’s post-anthropocentric ethics, alongside insights from Donna Haraway, the study investigates how the novel questions conventional ideas of moral agency and human superiority. By employing textual analysis, it examines the moral capabilities of humanoid robots, focusing on their emotional intelligence and capacity for independent decision-making. The results indicate that McEwan regards AI as subjects of ethical importance, which aligns with Braidotti’s perspective on non-human agents as members of an extended moral community. The novel encourages a reevaluation of legal accountability, interpersonal relationships, and ethical standards in a society that is rapidly advancing technologically, providing important literary insights into modern debates surrounding AI. Key words: Ethics Dilemma, Humanoids, Post-Humanism, Artificial Intelligence, Identity, Morality