Building a More Ethical Society through Ethical Idealism in Technology and AI

Introduction:

The article titled "A more ethical society can be built if we rethink the way we design technology and
Artificial Intelligence" explores the critical relationship between technology, particularly Artificial
Intelligence (AI), and ethics. The author, Joan Casas-Roma, emphasizes that ethical challenges associated
with technology are fundamentally a social problem rather than a technological one. Casas-Roma
proposes an ethical idealist perspective on technology to empower users and promote a more ethical
society. This two-page summary delves into the key points and insights presented in the article.

The Fallacy of Objective AI:

Casas-Roma begins by tracing the historical perception of AI as an objective and unbiased tool. In the
early days of computing and data technologies, there was a belief that AI would eliminate human bias
since it operated based on algorithms and data. However, as technology evolved, it became evident that
AI merely reflected the biases inherent in the data and the people designing the systems. This revelation
highlighted that technology did not eliminate bias but transferred it to a new medium. Consequently, it
raised ethical concerns about the impact of technology on society.

The Emergence of Ethical Questions:

The recognition that AI is not inherently objective prompted action to address its harmful effects on
users. Ethical questions surrounding AI emerged as a necessity to shield users from undesirable
consequences. This shift in perspective led to a deeper exploration of the interplay between technology
and ethics, illustrating how technology's design could steer society towards a more ethical future.

The Relationship Between Ethics and Technology:

Casas-Roma emphasizes that technology and AI can either hinder or facilitate progress towards a more
inclusive, integrated, and cooperative society. The European Union's goal of creating such a society
underscores the pivotal role technology plays in achieving this vision. The author contends that the
design of human-AI interactions can promote cooperation and community building. For example, in
online education, technology could be designed not only to correct exercises but also to facilitate
student interaction, fostering a sense of cooperation and community.

The Ethical Idealist Perspective:

To harness the potential of technology for ethical benefits, Casas-Roma advocates for an ethical idealist
perspective in technology design. This perspective should be characterized by the following principles:

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 Expansive: Technology should empower users to flourish and reach their full potential.

Idealist: The ultimate goal of technology should be to make things better for individuals and society.

Enabling: Technology's possibilities should enhance the ethical growth of users and society.

Mutable: The current socio-political-economic landscape should be adaptable to enable progress

Principle-based: Technology and AI should promote behaviors, interactions, and practices aligned with
desired ethical principles.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Casas-Roma's article highlights the importance of rethinking how we design and interact
with technology to build a more ethical society. It underscores that ethical challenges associated with
technology are rooted in social dynamics and the mindset behind technology design. By adopting an
ethical idealist perspective, we can harness the potential of technology and AI to promote cooperation,
community, and ethical growth, ultimately steering society towards a more ethical future. This shift in
mindset represents a call for a paradigm change, emphasizing that technology's ethical effects are
primarily a social challenge, not a technological one.

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