A Prelude to the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

The ethics of artificial intelligence are becoming a pressing concern in today’s world. Instances of questionable AI use, such as students relying on chatbots for writing and professors using AI to grade papers, highlight the need for ethical guidelines. The distinction between AI as a subject versus an object plays a crucial role in these discussions, leading to deeper questions about establishing ethical standards and practices.

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the conversation around artificial intelligence has shifted dramatically from whether to use AI to the more pressing issue of how to use it ethically. As organizations increasingly turn to AI solutions, instances of ethically dubious practices are surfacing. One notable example involves students utilizing AI-driven chatbots like ChatGPT for writing papers—an action that raises eyebrows. But it doesn’t stop there. A report from The New York Times highlights a concerning case in which a Boston-area professor reportedly used ChatGPT to grade student papers, mistakenly including the AI prompt in the returned feedback. This left students feeling rightfully anxious about the integrity of their education, leading one to even seek a tuition refund for the course.

The ethical debates surrounding AI usage evoke many layers of complexity, especially as the technology becomes an ingrained part of our lives. As we grapple with whether AI embodies agency or merely acts as a sophisticated tool, it becomes clear that establishing clear ethical standards is pivotal. The transition from viewing AI as an object to considering it as a subject begs profound reflections on how we interact with these technologies. Understanding this distinction might just be the key to navigating the daunting ethical questions that lie ahead.

Original Source: www.forbes.com