To begin a discussion on ethics in AI development, I propose a baseline. Incorporation of universal truths and some science fiction should be at the top of our list.
Issac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics
- A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
- A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
- A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
Universal Truths – Prime Directive
- Food/Water
- Clothing
- Housing
- Medical Care
- Education
- Security
Let me first state the obvious. Issac Asimov’s three laws of robotics refer to the brain, the behavior of the robots, which we now know is AI. You can substitute the word AI for robot and the laws make perfect sense.
Star Trek gave us the Prime Directive. These are universal truths. Objectives that help, not hinder, all peoples. Speaking on ethics, I propose we take both into account to establish our baseline. AI should aid humanity, not harm it, and protect, not hoard necessities.
Starting Point
Our starting point is above. Remember humans build and train AI’s. AI can be looked at like a mirror. Humans build it, trained it, gives direction and objectives to it. We don’t blame a knife for cutting our hand right? Humans build it, train it and provide direction and objectives. Let’s make those things for the betterment of man-kind and not solely focus on spying and creating smart weapons. We have a couple major technologies we can take a lessons learned from.
- Nuclear Technology – We could have used nuclear technology to provide cheaper, clean energy. Yes, we need to spend resources researching possibilities for safe disposal of the waste, even re-usability. Allocation of the necessary resources went to weapons. The first atomic bomb was dropped in 1945. Oversight around nuclear technology continues to be an issue today. Don’t allow AI to get off on the wrong foot. Focus on the positives, humanitarian possibilities and not the destructive power.
- Social Media – Even some of the creators for social media say they would do things differently. The approach was a technical problem to solve. With those blinders on, the missed the psychological impacts it would have on millions. Don’t merely address AI as a technical problem to be solved. Focus the attention on how to make AI more universally accepted and useful for all.
Summary
Like most of my articles here, I’ll keep it short and easy to consume. The point is to really get people thinking and talking about AI. How do we see it expand, used? How should our interactions be carried out? Ethics in AI is an excellent way to kick off and deep dive into this. We’re at a turning point in the existence of man-kind. Already AI is used on the battlefield. Is that what we really want? Focus the attention on how to make AI more universally accepted and useful for all. Think about the technology. Learn about it. Get online and experience it through AI chats. We should call out the media for pushing negative narratives. Be objective. Be open to possibilities. The future is really up to us!
