Acknowledgments

Robophilosophy is a new field of applied philosophical research that aims to come to terms with the profound sociocultural changes we can expect to arise with the onset of the "automation age" at the beginning of the twentyfirst century-and, perhaps, assist in shaping them.What philosophy can offer to society-the tools to create transparency and orientation-are of unpre ce dented value in our pre sent times when technological advance has begun to disrupt not only social practices but the premises of our cultural self-understanding.This book offers a systematic introduction to robophilosophical researchphilosophy of, for, and by social robotics-by showcasing prime examples for all three dimensions of the field.As will be readily noticed, despite all differences in outlook, the contributions to this volume convey the same under lying message: Here is philosophy that matters.Taking issue with the trajectories of social robotics ultimately is also an engagement for philosophy itself, the inquiry into the " human condition."We thank our contributors for their joint belief in the concrete value of philosophical activity at this critical moment in human history.Their commitment has supported us editors when rather unusual obstacles-serious illness, death, and forced career changes-threatened the completion of this proj ect.Like other areas of applied research, robophilosophy has an associated biennial international conference series, whose research events help to dynamically define and advance the field.We gratefully acknowledge the support of grant agencies that contributed to the realization of these large international meetings: the Carlsberg Foundation; the Danish Council for Independent Research