Cognitive Technologies – Are We in Danger of Humanizing Machines and Dehumanizing Humans?

Abstract The purpose of this article is to introduce some of the problems arising from the rapid development and raising the status of machines and the increasing disregard for human rights in the context of the use of cognitive technologies. Cognitive technologies are highly acclaimed and are being introduced into almost all aspects of life, especially in business. The article asks the question of whether the use of these technologies leads to a gradual humanization of machines while dehumanizing humans. The article is purely theoretical and based on a literature study of selected bibliographic items. On the basis of the analyzed texts an attempt was made to introduce the concept of artificial intelligence, cognitive technologies and algorithms. It also attempts to diagnose the state of work on the regulation of the legal situation related to the development of artificial intelligence and cognitive technologies, as well as the status of robots. The philosophical concept of dehumanization and its selected examples are also outlined. The discussion leads to the conclusion that the pace of development of cognitive technologies, overtaking the human ability to comprehend them, poses a threat of machines getting out of human control.