Abstract
This chapter is trying to answer a big question: Should we create artificial intelligence (AI) that deserves moral consideration, like humans? To figure this out, the authors look at different ideas about what AI is and what it should be. They use two main theories about ethics (how we decide right and wrong) to see if AI should be treated morally. One theory they use says that if AI fits the definition of intelligence, it should be treated morally, no matter which ethical theory you follow. The other theory they use is called “capability theory,” combined with the definition of AI. This leads to the conclusion that we shouldn't develop AI further if we believe it deserves moral consideration. So, the chapter explores whether AI should be treated morally, and it suggests that if so, we might need to stop developing AI.
Top1. Introduction
Human interest in thinking machines stretches back at least to antiquity. This is illustrated in several archetypal myths, such as the Greek one about the god Hephaestus’ creation, Talos, a living bronze giant who guarded the island of Crete. Other examples of historical artificial intelligence are the sacred mechanical statues of ancient Egypt and Greece and Geber’s takwin. In the middle of the 20th century, the development of artificial intelligence (AI) gained momentum, not least thanks to Alan Turing’s test “the imitation game” - where the underlying principle states that a computer is considered intelligent if a human can interact with it in five minutes without being able to determine that it is a computer. Undoubtedly, AI will pervasively impact our societies in the coming decades. Artificial intelligence is an area prioritized by the European Parliament. Research is ongoing in the EU on issues such as who owns the copyright to something entirely developed by an AI and on military and non-military uses of AI. For the use of AI in the military, justice system, and health, the European Parliament proposed in January 2021 that “[AI] must never replace or relieve humans of their responsibility (European Commision, 2021). In its work, the European Parliament points out that rules for AI must be human-centered; security, transparency, and accountability must be guaranteed; bias and discrimination are needed to be prevented; social and environmental responsibility is promoted; respect for fundamental rights is ensured (European Commision, 2020).
We humans create aids and systems to benefit ourselves. If we build a staircase, it is reasonable that it is suitable for the vast majority of people to walk on, and if it is impossible to use, it is not significant if it is replaced. We also use animals and plants for our benefit, but in contrast to how we treat inanimate objects, destroying all creatures that did not benefit us would be remarkable. Artificial intelligence is a phenomenon that does not fit easily into this binary view of non-human objects. This is because AI, in its composition, resembles stairs or other created aids, animals, or even people. The main arguments for developing AI are of two kinds: monetary arguments and utility arguments. AI can save us money, time, and effort. The main arguments against developing AI relate to security of various kinds – for example, human lives or people’s integrity. A perspective not given space in the European Parliament’s work is whether artificial intelligence deserves moral consideration. If we don’t know whether AI should be shown moral consideration, we also don’t know what obligations, if any, we humans have to AI. The issue is of great ethical importance. For many people, it is a matter of course that animals deserve moral consideration. It may not be as obvious that AI may merit moral consideration, but if the issue is not examined, decisions about AI must be made on shaky ground. With the present work, we hope to contribute to this aspect: AI may have moral rights - subject to moral consideration - which we must relate to as AI developers.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Moral Consideration: The ethical assessment of whether an entity, in this case, artificial intelligence, deserves ethical consideration and moral rights, similar to how humans or animals might be entitled to certain ethical considerations.
Definition of Intelligence: The concept of defining what constitutes intelligence, either in general or in the context of artificial intelligence, can vary and influence how AI systems are developed, researched, and evaluated.
Precision (in definition): Precision in the context of defining artificial intelligence refers to how accurately and specifically the definition captures the essence of AI, avoiding broad or vague language.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): A field of computer science and technology that focuses on developing computer systems and algorithms capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and learning.
Similarity to Explicandum: A criterion used in defining terms like “artificial intelligence,” which considers how closely the definition matches the concept it is intended to explain.
Simplicity (in definition): Simplicity in Definition means that the definition should be straightforward and not overly complex, making it accessible and practical for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the AI field.
Copyright Ownership: Refers to the legal rights held by individuals or entities over intellectual property, including creative works, inventions, or products generated by AI systems. This term is relevant in the context of determining who owns the rights to content or innovations produced by AI.
Benefit (in definition): The benefit criterion for defining AI involves assessing whether the definition is useful for guiding research, understanding the concept, and making informed decisions in the field.