Sociology on English AI Terms Dictionary

Non-human

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 10:09:07 +0000

Definition

This term is often used in discussions regarding the rights, responsibilities, and social integration of AI agents, robots, and virtual assistants. It highlights the distinction between biological humans and synthetic intelligences. Understanding ’non-human’ agency is crucial for designing ethical guidelines, user interactions, and legal frameworks that address how these entities behave, make decisions, and interact with human societies without claiming human-like sentience.

Summary

In AI ethics and sociology, ’non-human’ refers to artificial entities or systems that possess agency, intelligence, or social presence but lack biological consciousness or human identity.

Discrimination against robots

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 09:55:54 +0000

Definition

Discrimination against robots is an emerging ethical and sociological concept that examines how humans might unfairly treat, distrust, or assign negative attributes to artificial agents based on their nature as machines rather than biological entities. This can manifest in algorithmic bias where robots are denied certain roles or treated differently in human-robot interaction scenarios due to stereotypes about reliability, emotion, or agency. It also touches upon legal questions regarding the rights and responsibilities of AI entities, challenging traditional frameworks of justice that are built around human-centric notions of personhood and moral status.

AI literacy

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 09:44:10 +0000

Definition

AI literacy refers to the competencies needed to navigate a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence. It goes beyond technical coding skills to include understanding how AI systems work, recognizing their limitations, biases, and ethical considerations. An AI-literate individual can critically assess AI-generated content, make informed decisions about adopting AI tools, and comprehend the broader social, economic, and political impacts of automation. It is essential for fostering responsible innovation and equitable access to technological benefits.