Ethical Problems of Artificial Intelligence - Term Paper Example

ETHICAL PROBLEMS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Student’s Name Course Professor’s Name University City (State) Date Abstract The world has witnessed increased research in artificial intelligence to produce devices that have human-like capabilities. Such devices can perform a myriad of applications in many diverse fields. However, the development of AI-enabled devices raises several ethical issues including the prospect of increased unemployment and inequalities and human dependence on machines. Perhaps the biggest worry is that technology might end up being a superior creature to humans. This article explores the ethical concerns related to AI and provides recommendations on future research. In essence, it is important to come up policies to promote the development of AI-enabled devices that do not cause harm to human beings and their position as the most superior creatures. Ethical Problems of Artificial Intelligence Introduction Advances in computing technology have given birth to a fast-evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI). As a field of computer science, it is concerned with the development and production of computers with the capability to engage in human processes such as reasoning, learning, and self-correction. It is the view that machines could be developed to take up abilities that are mainly associated with humans. Some authors have argued that the possibility of developing super-intelligence may be a reality in the next few years due to advances in hardware performance and improved capability to implement architectures and algorithms similar to those that human beings use (Yampolskiy 2012, p. 195). Even at this early phase of development, AI has produced many considerable products. Zeng (2015, p. 2) lists Siri, Cortana, and Google Now as applications that have successfully integrated of a variety of AI tools such as intelligent interfaces, knowledge discovery, natural language processing, and recommender systems into their operations. Other applications are also under development that make use of commonsense reasoning, task automation, and knowledge engineering (Zeng 2015, p. 2). Autonomous driving, which utilizes tools such as robotics, multi-agent processing, intelligent control, and planning, promises safer driving for users (Zeng 2015, p.2). In spite of the numerous potential advantages of AI, a myriad of ethical concerns have been unearthed (Bynum 2004, p. 65). Ultimately, there are those who have questioned whether the development of AI ought to be stopped. In this paper, the idea of artificial intelligence is discussed in detail, with emphasis on the positive and negatives aspects associated with it. In particular, the ethical concerns associated with the technology are explored. After a comparative discussion, a recommendation is presented that urges the responsible development and utilization of this technology. Overall, while AI may have a number of shortcomings, it is essential for research activities to be enhanced to improve the performance of AI tools that could support the human life without adverse consequences. Applications of Artificial Intelligence The development and deployment of AI has seen its application in many areas of human life. According to Pannu (2015, p. 79), some of the techniques applied in AI include fuzzy logic, neural network, evolutionary computing, and hybrid artificial intelligence. Essentially, AI has several advantages over natural intelligence since it is more consistent, permanent, less expensive, and has the capability of ease of duplication and dissemination (Pannu 2015, p.79). Based on Pannu (2015, p.79), AI can be implemented in a variety of areas. The first of these areas is language comprehension. Individuals can use it to translate one language to another. Additionally, AI technologies could be used in computer systems to retrieve information, process semantic information, and answering of questions. Another area of application, according to Pannu (2015, p.80), is in learning and adaptive systems, which are systems with the capability to adapt behavior based on previous experiences. Examples of such systems are cybernetics and concept formation. Pannu (2015, p.80) also identifies problem-solving as an area where AI systems have been developed. In problem-solving, some of the fields of study include heuristic search, automatic program writing, interactive problem solving, and inference. AI tools also find application in visual or perception realm, which is the ability to evaluate a sensed scene by associating it with a model that represents the perceiving system’s knowledge of the world (Pannu 2015, p.80). In this area, some of the key applications include scene analysis and pattern recognition. Pannu (2015, p.80) also identifies modeling as a field that has seen the development of various AI tools. Modeling refers to the process of developing a representation and a set of rules that could be utilized to predict the relationship and behavior between entities or objects. Some of the examples in this field encompass perceptual and functional representations, natural systems, and representation for problem solving. Another field is robotics, which entails the creation of objects with enhanced human-like capabilities. Robotics are used in exploration, security, military, transportation, industrial automation, and household equipment (Pannu 2015, p.80). AI is also used in the programming of games that people play on personal computers. Russell (2015, p.415) also presents an application of robots, which is the development of LAWS (lethal autonomous weapons), which can be used in war. Based on Russell (2015, p.415), they have been ranked as the third revolution warfare after nuclear weapons and gunpowder. LAWS select and engage targets without the need for human intervention. An example of such a technology is armed quad-copters that have the capacity to look for a target and attack it. The use of AI technology for the development of warfare tools provides nation-states with increased capability to fight wars. Ethical Concerns of AI Although AI has numerous advantages as elaborated above, its use is accompanied by several ethical concerns. One of these concerns is that AI’s lethal autonomous weapons could fuel wars among nations, thereby threatening world peace. According to Russell (2015, p.415), current robotics and AI components offer platforms for perception, navigation, motor control, mapping, and strategic decision making, as well as long-term planning, which makes them particularly effective in combat. The problem is made worse as there is a lack of international laws that govern the use of artificial intelligence systems in war. In addition, there is a lack of consensus as to what constitutes appropriate tools for war. Essentially, the belief is that when a human being controls an equipment, then rationality is enhanced in decision-making. Overall, there is a need to not only control the development and deployment of AI weapons, but also the development of policies to guide the engagement of nations or parties in a conflict. Zeng (2015, p.3) points out that artificial intelligence could harm the nature of human beings in terms of our thinking or behavior. Some futurists, technologists, and philosophers have warned about the drastic impact that AI could have on the society and human civilization. Essentially, there are those who feel that the increased power of AI could create objects with the ability to threaten the existence of human beings (Zeng 2015, p. 3). For example, technological tools could be too powerful to a point where they control what a human being could do. Similarly, there are those who feel that AI could enhance human immortality (Zeng 2015, p.3). The term “technological singularity” has been utilized to define a situation where artificial intelligence could exceed human control and intellectual capability (Muehlhauser & Helm 2012, p. 101). Essentially, due to the growing reliance on AI, attaining technological singularity could compromise the human being’s position as the most superior creature on the planet. Another ethical concern associated with AI is the loss of employment (Zeng, 2015, p.3). Throughout history, technological advancements, especially in the creation of tools of making work easier, have often resulted in a loss of jobs. The industrial revolution, for example, made it unreasonable to engage in slave trade as machines could do a better and more efficient job. The same happened during the computer revolution, which saw many people lose jobs due to automation, especially in industries. Duties that were undertaken by hand were now completed at a faster rate with reduced errors (Veruggio & Operto 2008, p.1506). The capability of robots to be precise in measurements, for example, makes it logical to use them in the manufacturing process. However, although automation may lead to the loss jobs, it could also lead to the development of newer careers. For example, the computer revolution has made the need for computer specialists to increase. Consequently, it could be argued that AI could create other jobs. Another challenge associated with AI to the economy is that it could only benefit the rich. While the working class could lose jobs, the wealthy would be able to produce products at a lower cost due to the use of AI technology. According to Zeng (2015, p.3), this could harm the distribution of resources within the society. However, the AI revolution could also provide opportunities for innovative individuals to be more creative, hence creating wealth for themselves and others. The growing development of AI also raises privacy and confidentiality issues. Government and private organizations have deployed information technology tools that have the capacity to collect huge volumes of data. In fact, private organizations now see big data as a source of competitive advantage. AI makes the concern of privacy even worse. According to Veruggio and Operto (2008, p.1510), intelligent tools and robots are now collecting enormous amounts of information from users. For example, AI applications in hospital environments could collect confidential information regarding patients. Consequently, this information could be used to cause harm on them. The problem becomes worse in the current competitive world where organizations are now using private data to analyze and profile people. In the security realm, AI tools could be used in profiling races, which could result in increased discrimination. Zeng (2015, p.4) also asserts that the relationship between humans and robots is troubling. It is hoped that humanoid robots would assume the form of human beings and interact with people holistically. For example, they would be able to display emotions. However, the thought of having robots with capabilities and physical characteristics similar to human being raises many questions. For example, would those robots have feelings that people display? Today, robots have been developed that could provide care to disabled individuals (Zeng, 2015, p.4). Similarly, there are those who feel that the development of such human-like robots could create a situation where people develop attachments to them. For instance, some people could end up marrying robots. The current society has laws, norms, practices, and culture. These aspects ensure that the human settlement and advancement is self-sustaining. However, according to Zeng (2015) the current social norms, legal systems, and ethical standards are made for people with considerably low-technological underpinnings. Consequently, the development and deployment of AI devices is beginning to challenge the social systems (Zeng, 2015, p.4). For example, the utilization of autonomous and adaptive AI-enabled systems could lead to the commission of violations, with no clear individual to bear the responsibility. Another example that (Zeng, 2015, p.4) gives is that of driverless cars causing accidents. In fact, some futurists have questioned whether robots could be placed on trial (Zeng, 2015, p.4). The next ethical concern is the risk of human abilities being diminished. As people continue to rely on artificial intelligence, there are those who feel that humans would end up underutilizing their abilities (Muehlhauser & Helm 2012, p.102). For example, the capability of hand-held devices to undertake mathematical problems means that people are now using their devices even for the simplest of tasks. With much help from machines, people no longer have to use their thinking capacity, which would decline over time. More importantly, extensive application of AI would see human beings becoming excessively reliant on machines, leading to a loss of mental capabilities. The same situation would happen if people continue relying on machines for locomotion rather than running or walking. A final ethical concern relates to whether robots and other AI-enabled devices should also have rights (Zeng, 2015, p.4). The fact that robots will not have capabilities similar to those of a human being might mean that the society has to give them rights. Therefore, some futurists have questioned whether robots also need laws to protect them from abuse the same way animals have. However, the development of robots with human-like capacity is still a long way from realization. According to Zeng (2015, p.4), the prevailing thought regarding the need to give robots rights is based on the nation that protecting robots’ rights would advance the protection of human rights as well. Recommendations Artificial intelligence, just like all other technologies, has unintended consequences on the society. As a result, it is important for engineers to take into consideration the negative effects of these technologies and how they can be mitigated. From the above discussion, it is clear that the continued development of AI might result in job losses due to enhanced automation (Bynum 2004, p. 70). Additionally, AI might lead to a situation where human beings lose the sense of uniqueness. The collection of private and confidential information by these devices might result in privacy infringement. More worryingly, the success of artificial intelligence might also pose a threat to the survival of human beings. Consequently, some scholars have developed guiding principles aimed at protecting the society against the negative effects of technology. The first law is that devices developed from technological advancements must not harm humanity. Essentially, technology should only play the role of supporting the human life and not putting it under threat (Veruggio & Operto 2008, p.1510). Another guiding principle is that robots must be designed in a manner such that they obey human beings at all times. This means that although a robot may possess human-like abilities, it is still a lower-level device under the control of a human being. However, the AI industry should also be protected from harm, as it is from this industry that human life could be enhanced. There is also a growing call for the development of robots, which are sensitive to human values. Such machines would act in a rational manner while still knowing that they are under the control of human beings. It is also important that the design and use robots and other AI-enabled devices have sufficient safety measures so as not to harm people and other animals or elements in the environment (Veruggio & Operto 2008, p.1510). In the recent past, robots have caused human death due to mechanical errors. In and industry, for example, the failure for a robot to stop could force an individual into a grinding machine causing death. Therefore, as the world continues to embrace these devices in homes and industries, it is important that they be tested before deployment. One of the challenges associated with the development of robots is that no one institution governs their development. As a result, standards and policies are hardly implemented. Instead, every developer is free to design robots as he or she wishes. Therefore, it is critical that a body is created that oversees the manufacture of AI-enabled devices to protect the society from unintended negative effects. The figure below illustrates the ethical issues of AI. Conclusion Artificial intelligence is concerned with the development and deployment of devices with the capability to take part in human processes such as reasoning, learning, and self-correction. It has found a myriad of applications in industries and homes. However, in spite of these advantages, negative consequences to the society have arisen. Some of the negative effects include the view that unemployment could rise, people would become dependent on machines, and that there is a risk that human beings could end up as lower-order creatures to machines. Some futurists have also questioned whether machines should also have rights. In light of these ethical concerns, it is important to continue developing devices that do not harm people or their position in society. Overall, the human being should continue to be the most superior creature on the planet. References Bynum, WT 2004, ‘Ethical challenges to citizens of ‘The automatic age': Norbert Wiener on the information society’, Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, vol. 2, no. 2, pp.65-74. Available from: [October 21, 2016] Muehlhauser, L & Helm, L 2012, The singularity and machine ethics, In Singularity Hypotheses (pp. 101-126), Springer Berlin Heidelberg. Pannu, A 2015, ‘Artificial Intelligence and its Application in Different Areas’, International Journal of Engineering and Innovative Technology (IJEIT), vol. 4, no. 10, pp. 79 - 84. Russell, S 2015, ‘Take a Stand on AI Weapons,’ Nature, vol. 521, no. 7553, pp.415-416. Veruggio, G & Operto, F 2008, Roboethics: Social and ethical implications of robotics, In B. Siciliano, & O. Khatib (eds.), Springer handbook of robotics (pp. 1499-1524), Springer Berlin Heidelberg. Available from: < https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=Xpgi5gSuBxsC&pg=PA1499&dq=Veruggio+Operto+Roboethics:+Social+and+ethical+implications+of+robotics&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Veruggio%20Operto%20Roboethics%3A%20Social%20and%20ethical%20implications%20of%20robotics&f=false >[2October 21, 2016]. Yampolskiy, R 2012, ‘Leakproofing the Singularity Artificial Intelligence Confinement Problem’, Journal of Consciousness Studies, vol. 19, no. 1-2, pp.194-214. Zeng, D 2015, ‘AI Ethics: Science Fiction Meets Technological Reality’, IEEE Intelligent Systems, vol. 30, no. 3, pp.2-5. Read More