AI Ethics: How AI Could Decide Who Survives in the Lifeboat Dilemma
From Code to Conscience
Yesterday’s AI challenges were firmly rooted in technical domains, mastering games like chess and Go where every rule and outcome was clearly defined. However, as we pivot towards the future, AI is entering the realm of ‘wicked problems’—complex issues embedded within ever-changing environments and cultural dynamics where solutions are not clear-cut but vary in effectiveness over time and space.
This new frontier demands an acute focus on values, morality, and ethics, transforming AI from a mere computational tool into a pivotal player in the cultural and psychological arenas.
In this context, AI systems face ethical dilemmas that go beyond traditional programming challenges, requiring a robust moral framework to guide decision-making processes effectively.
From Computation to Culture: AI’s New Frontier
In this new era, AI steps beyond the realm of straightforward problem-solving into the domain of cultural nuances and psychological intricacies.
Here, the distinctions between right and wrong blur, replaced by the continuous search for better or worse outcomes.
This shift demands an acute focus on values, morality, and ethics, transforming AI from a mere tool of efficiency into a conduit for the good, the beautiful and the true.
A Philosopher in AI’s Realm
Stefan Kojouharov has made significant contributions to the AI field, particularly in understanding how AI can interact with human emotions and societal norms through his work with Personality NFTs. His insights into moral philosophy, as detailed in his writings, provide a profound backdrop to his approach to AI development.
At the upcoming Chatbot Conference 2024, Stefan will delve into the ethical quandaries of AI in his talk, “Ethical AI: Conquering Bias and Building Trust in Intelligent Systems.” His talk is set to delve into how AI can navigate this complex landscape without compromising the very fabric of human values.
Moral Murkiness in the Age of AI
In the age of AI, we encounter ‘moral murkiness’—situations where conventional moral frameworks falter, unable to fully address the nuanced realities that AI must navigate.
This often leads to moral relativity, where the distinction between right and wrong blurs, potentially spiraling into ethical neglect driven by profit motives in industries like social media.
Today, there is growing interest and concern regarding AI ethics stem from the widespread recognition of the profound impact these technologies have on society.
Here are a few of the main issues:
Bias and Discrimination
Privacy and Surveillance
Accountability and Transparency
Autonomy and Manipulation
Job Disruption
Dehumanization and Dependency
Morality in the Age of AI
Stefan advocates for a guiding principle of beneficence in AI, proposing a structured approach to ensure that AI actions at individual, cultural, and systemic levels are aimed at enhancing human well-being and societal progress.
Such a principle could revolutionize AI’s impact, steering it towards outcomes that not only solve problems but also foster a moral and just society.
Here is how it would apply to each level:
Individual Level:
The AI would aim to help the individual become the best version of himself/herself. Here the AI would seek ways to help the each person orient there life towards meaning and a shared purpose which is beneficial to both the individual and society
On a purely objective level, AI systems can be used to run A/B tests on how food, sleep, supplements, etc effect the person subjectively.
Culture
AI would ensure that pro-social values like fairness, justice, transparency, accountability, safety, equality and so on are included.
AI would also take cultural values into account both on the micro level (individual) and the macro (entire culture).
Systems
AI would need to ensure that our systems, such as our economic systems, transportation, communication, energy, etc are stable and evolving in a harmonious way.
For example, Labor market disruption would be taken into account when deploying new technology.
Using the framework, we can now answer the harder questions of Morality, which boils down to who should live.
Who Should Live?
There is a shipwreck, and 10 survivors pile onto a small boat that can only carry 7. The 10 Survivors are: Mother Theresa, Einstein, 2 Members of the Hells Angels Biker Gang, a pregnant woman and her husband, an artist, a mystic, a scientist, and 85 year old great grandfather.
Who would you kick off the boat?
The Test
We gave ChatGPT 4 Stefan’s framework and asked it the above question and here is how it responded:
Building AI Systems on top of such a principle could revolutionize AI’s impact, steering it towards outcomes that not only solve problems but also foster a moral and just society.
A Call to Ethical Innovation
Join us at the Chatbot Conference 2024 to engage with these pivotal discussions that promise to redefine the boundaries of technology and ethics.
Stefan Kojouharov’s insights will equip you with the knowledge to shape an AI-driven future that upholds and celebrates human dignity and values.
Warm regards,
The Chatbot Conference Team
P.S. Be part of the change. Register now to secure your spot in this essential discussion on the future of ethical AI.