Assignment 28 - The Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence_ A Kantian Perspective

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Feb 20, 2024

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Jischke 1 Andrew Jischke Professor Walsh 04/25/2023 The Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence: A Kantian Perspective Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our lives, influencing various sectors such as healthcare, finance, transportation, and entertainment. As AI continues to evolve, it raises several ethical questions that need to be addressed. This essay will explore the ethical implications of AI from a Kantian perspective. Immanuel Kant, a central figure in modern philosophy, proposed a deontological ethical theory grounded in the concept of duty. Kant’s moral philosophy is based on the categorical imperative, which asserts that we should act only according to maxims that we would want to become universal laws. This principle emphasizes the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals, treating them as ends in themselves rather than means to an end. Applying Kant’s ethical framework to AI presents several challenges. One of the main issues is the question of moral agency. According to Kant, moral agency is tied to rationality and autonomy. However, AI, as it currently exists, lacks these qualities. AI systems operate based on pre-programmed algorithms and do not possess the ability to make autonomous decisions based on rational thought. Despite this, AI systems have the potential to significantly impact human lives. They can make decisions that affect people’s jobs, health, and privacy. This raises the question of responsibility. If an AI system makes a decision that harms a human, who is to be held accountable? The developers who created the AI? The users who deployed it? Or the AI system itself? The question of responsibility in AI is further complicated by the increasing sophistication of these systems. With the advent of machine learning, AI systems are now capable of ‘learning’ and ‘adapting’ based on the data they are exposed to. This raises the possibility of AI systems making decisions that were not explicitly programmed by their developers, further blurring the lines of accountability. Another ethical concern related to AI is the potential for bias. AI systems are trained on data generated by humans, and this data can often reflect the biases of the society in which it was

Jischke 2 produced. These biases can then be perpetuated and amplified by the AI systems, leading to discriminatory outcomes. From a Kantian perspective, this would be a clear violation of the categorical imperative, as it involves treating certain individuals or groups as means to an end, rather than as ends in themselves. Moreover, the widespread use of AI also raises concerns about privacy and surveillance. AI systems, particularly those used in data analysis and predictive modeling, often require access to large amounts of personal data. This can lead to invasions of privacy and potential misuse of data. Again, from a Kantian perspective, this could be seen as a violation of the categorical imperative, as it involves treating individuals merely as sources of data, rather than as autonomous beings with inherent dignity and worth. In conclusion, the ethical implications of AI are vast and complex. From a Kantian perspective, the use of AI poses several challenges to the principles of autonomy, dignity, and respect for persons. As AI continues to evolve and become more integrated into our lives, it is crucial that we continue to engage with these ethical issues and strive to develop AI in a way that respects and upholds our fundamental moral principles.

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