As part of the eTHIcs Lecture Series, organized by Prof. Dr. Laura Crompton, Benjamin Mullins from the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt was a guest speaker at THI on Tuesday. In his lecture, “Why Kant We Be Friends?,” he explored the question of why people are increasingly using AI systems as social companions and whether these systems could partially replace human relationships in the future.
To answer this question, Mullins drew on the moral philosophy of Immanuel Kant. Using Kant’s distinction between merely following moral rules and acting out of moral conviction, he discussed whether artificial intelligence can even be capable of forming genuine moral relationships.
Drawing on recent studies, Mullins highlighted both the opportunities and risks of AI companions. While such systems can reduce loneliness and provide emotional support, they also carry the risk of creating echo chambers, diminishing social skills, and fostering unrealistic expectations regarding interpersonal relationships. The lecture thus encouraged a nuanced examination of the role of AI in social interaction.
Afterward, the students had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the topic with the speaker.
The eTHIcs Lecture Series runs through December 8, 2026, and features guest lectures every two weeks on current topics in the fields of technology, ethics, and society.
