The Imperfect Creator Creating the Perfect: Ethics for Autonomous Systems/AI

This project seeks to explore the ethical frameworks that should guide the assessment of autonomous AI systems. Even though technology is universal, morality is not, and the debate over what AI should and should not do is already being shaped by various ethical theories.

The researchers will conduct a thorough analysis of these ethical theories to identify the mechanisms necessary for autonomous AI systems to act in morally responsible ways. This work will be grounded in modern learning theory, which posits that AI systems can learn from experience and from observing human behavior and emotions.

Key concepts in this exploration include utility, equality, and the potential superiority of AI over human capabilities. The utility of AI is evident in its ability to perform simple tasks more efficiently and accurately than humans. The notion of equality emerges as AI systems begin to take on more complex tasks, functioning at a level comparable to human performance. The concept of AI’s potential superiority becomes relevant as these systems evolve to make decisions independently, possibly surpassing human judgment.

However, as AI approaches these advanced capabilities, significant ethical questions arise. How should AI systems navigate ethical dilemmas? Should the welfare of the many outweigh the rights of the few? What safeguards should be in place to protect human rights and privacy? Which algorithms should dictate AI behavior, and who determines what is morally good for society?

This interdisciplinary project, involving experts in robotics, philosophy, and cognitive science, aims to provide answers to these pressing questions and to contribute to the responsible development of autonomous AI systems.