AI and Moral Enhancement: Will Technology Make Us Better Ethical Beings?
As someone who has spent years studying the intersection of philosophy and technology, I am often asked whether technology can make us better ethical beings. The answer is not a simple one, but it is one that I believe is worth exploring.
On the one hand, technology has the potential to enhance our moral decision-making abilities. For example, AI can be programmed to make ethical decisions that are consistent with our values and beliefs. Self-driving cars can be programmed to prioritize the safety of pedestrians over the safety of passengers, leading to more ethical decision-making. Similarly, technologies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have been shown to improve moral decision-making in individuals.
On the other hand, there are risks associated with relying on technology for moral enhancement. There is the potential for technology to be programmed with biased or unethical values, leading to unethical decision-making. Furthermore, relying too heavily on technology for moral decision-making can lead to a lack of personal responsibility and accountability.
So where does that leave us? Should we embrace technology as a tool for moral enhancement, or should we reject it outright? The answer, in my opinion, lies somewhere in between.
We must recognize that technology is not a replacement for our own moral compass. Rather, it is a tool that can aid us in becoming better ethical beings. We must also acknowledge that technology is not neutral – it is created and programmed by humans, and as such, it is subject to human biases and values.
Therefore, we must approach the development and use of technology for moral enhancement with caution and critical thinking. We must ensure that the values and beliefs programmed into AI and other technologies are consistent with our own ethical principles. We must also hold ourselves accountable for our own ethical decision-making, even as we use technology to aid us in that process.
In conclusion, the potential for AI and moral enhancement through technology is immense. While there are risks associated with relying too heavily on technology for moral decision-making, the benefits cannot be ignored. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of technology, we must approach it with a critical eye and a commitment to our own ethical principles. Only then can we truly become better ethical beings.
