Handing It Over: A Thesis on Designing Robotic Hands and its Ethics

Isaac Jirak ‘25

The history of technology is marred by countless ethical crises, ranging from the Cold War nuclear question down to the infringement of worker's rights in the Industrial Revolution. Still, humanity persistently and heedlessly presses forward in the name of progress, and scientists crowd the stage, eager to present their latest monstrosities. Omens of our impending self-destruction are brushed aside in the name of the scientific method, but need we build our own coffin?

This thesis presentation explores this topic through the research of manipulation techniques for robotic hands, questioning whether a robotic hand can be controlled without a computer. We will consider the ethical challenges of scientific research and how modern engineering seeks to address them while simultaneously putting them into practice. Isaac will walk the audience through his research on robotic hands and how his work seeks the ethical development of technology. 

4:30 pm
Monday, April 28
Sever 103
Harvard University

Isaac Jirak

Isaac Jirak, a senior at Harvard College, is studying Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Philosophy. His research focuses on developing new and reliable methods for the manipulation of robotic hands in industrial and prosthetic applications. Aside from his academic work, Isaac is involved in several student and professional groups for the promotion of free speech, public discourse, and intellectual vitality. He has done research with the Human Flourishing Program and coordinates guest lectures as a student leader of the Harvard chapter of the Thomistic Institute. His writings have also been published by The Harvard Salient. Following his undergraduate, he plans on studying for a master's degree in philosophy, specializing in the ethics of technology.