The role of ethics

The role of ethics in ‘AI and the Existential’

• Ethical considerations are paramount when developing technology, especially one as rapidly growing as AI. 
• Not only that, being aware of how data can be biased and that we can make AI more ethical prevents us from falling into narrative traps that AI is either completely trustworthy (and thus allowing harmful discrimination to occur) or that AI is an unstoppable threat to humanity. 
• Regulated and maintained responsibly, AI could act as an aid that could bring impactful change to us equitably. However, comprehensive ethical frameworks are needed to achieve this, and human rights must be respected.

A useful summary of the potential revolutionary impacts of AI, alongside the imperative for ethical considerations of equity and rights can be found in the 2024 advisory article, “The Human Aspects of AI: Society, Diversity, and Education” by Manya Sikombe, published by Artificial Intelligence: AI in universities and colleges.

An Important Note on Bias

• With all of this in mind and working towards seeing AI through a more balanced view, we must also be aware of AI bias, as discussed at length in previous sections of the course. 
• To accept AI, we must also be aware that it is not perfect. Data input is imperfect and therefore AI lacks neutrality. 
• Thus, it is imperative to work towards a more ethical AI landscape.
• AI and existential thinking can be risky because they make us afraid of something we cannot entirely predict when we could focus on improvement or regulation.
• Existential fears are perpetuated by the media, which can play a large part in framing AI as the enemy when – in reality – it is a technological advancement with both positive and negative impacts.
• When looking to the future of AI, we must adopt a holistic approach, be wary of bias, and work on improving AI so that it may better society.
• Long-termism and the wariness of rapid development of AI are helpful, but they are not everything. To accept AI as part of society is to allow it to improve and thus foster a more ethical relationship with AI.