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 …
Course: AI Ethics, Inclusion & Society
How should we view AI?
Now that we know the problems of a one-sided narrative and how a fearful perspective on AI has become pervasive, we can consider an alternative perception of AI. What do …
How is the future of AI viewed?
As we have considered, AI developments are not inherently bad nor good, they simply are, and the way an individual feels about AI depends on the narrative angle adopted. Two …
Why perpetuate negative narratives?
The media plays a pivotal role in shaping our perceptions of AI. Image by Brad Groznik It is, therefore, easy to get caught up in dramatic headlines. In reality, what …
The media & perceptions of AI
Headlines – and information – are rarely objective and can be subtly slanted in one direction or the other, depending on narrator stance. It is therefore important to ask: Who …
The role of data in AI
Humans typically learn from structured information – such as clearly labeled charts, diagrams, or ‘classroom’ examples – but AI systems operate differently. These systems can process vast amounts of unstructured …
Moving forward with AI and the environment
What can we do about fostering an ethical relationship between AI and the environment? Consider the below initiatives ongoing at the University of Glasgow: Glasgow University Environmental and Sustainability Team …
AI ethics and the environment
As students, we are at the intersection of innovation and responsibility. Considering AI as an innovative technology with environmental impacts, there are ethical questions to consider. The UN Environment Programme …
Positive AI for the environment
Arguably, AI can also be utilised to have a positive impact on the environment. AI can process huge volumes of data and is increasingly efficient, producing interpretable results from large …
Material impacts of AI
Estimating the environmental impacts of AI and computationally involved tasks is a challenge. Let’s start with a simple metric: Question: What percentage of global energy consumption is allocated directly to …
Overview of the risks: training AI
TRAINING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGY The figure above summarises some of the biases associated with training AI systems. This is not an exhaustive list of the risks of training AI, but …
Douglas Rushkoff explores planning for an AI-induced apocalypse
Read Douglas Rushkoff’s 2022 Guardian article TASK: As you read, consider: What does this tell you about Silicon Valley’s existential fears regarding AI? Do you think these fears are founded …
Existential thinking: harmful but realistic?
The AI-induced existential fears of some multimillionaires are not necessarily unfounded, and may sometimes align with trusted experts and voices of reason. Take the example of Professor Geoffrey Hinton and …
Dylan Matthews on AI technologists and altruism
Read the 2015 VOX article by Dylan Matthews TASK: As you read, consider: What is effective altruism, and how does this impact existential thinking regarding AI? Do you think it …
Investigation – different perspectives on AI
Pick a topic below that interest you. Spend a few minutes researching, discussing, or just thinking about it and share your thoughts in the comments. 1. If a machine convinces …