Ethics in the Age of AI
17 Jan 2024 15:00h - 15:30h
Event report
In our polarized age, we struggle to align technological change with justice and the common good. How can we think our way through the hard ethical questions technology poses?
Join philosopher Michael Sandel for a lively, interactive session exploring how the latest advances from AI to chatbots and big data are set to profoundly change what it means to be human.
More info @ WEF 2024.
Knowledge Graph of Debate
Session report
Full session report
interview video
In a conversation featuring Michael B. Jordan, several topics were discussed, including virtual comeback performances, the use of deceased actors in films without their consent, the impact of technology on human values, matchmaking apps, the value of intuition in choosing a partner, the idea of perfection in relationships, skepticism towards an app's ability to assess sexual compatibility, the potential for virtual immortality through avatars, and the changing definition of what it means to be human.
Michael B. Jordan expressed the belief that virtual performances cannot capture the authenticity and human presence that comes with live acting. According to him, even the best digital recreations cannot replicate the unique qualities and interactions that human actors bring to their performances. He argued that even if an actor gave consent to be digitally represented, it would still lack the authenticity of a live performance.
Furthermore, Jordan highlighted that casting deceased actors in films without their prior consent is a violation of their free will. He found the idea unsettling, emphasising that it infringes upon the individual's right to make decisions about their own image and work, even if they had given consent in advance. This discussion touched on the ethical implications of using digital recreations without the explicit consent of the deceased individuals.
The conversation also delved into the broader impact of technology on human values, going beyond issues of consent and choice. Jordan and Michael Sandel discussed the deep human value of authenticity and human presence, suggesting that the use of technology can undermine these qualities. They posited that the advancements in technology may compromise the spiritual dimension of life, displacing the human touch and altering the fundamental nature of being human.
Shifting the focus to matchmaking, one individual named Asha expressed trust in a matchmaking app, believing it to have a more comprehensive understanding of her characteristics and preferences compared to her parents. Asha's viewpoint highlighted the reliance on technology to find suitable partners.
On the other hand, another participant highlighted the value of intuition in choosing a partner, emphasising his mother's ability to understand him deeply and immediately assess whether a person is right for him. This perspective emphasised the importance some individuals place on personal connections and intuition, contrasting with the reliance on algorithms and data-driven matching.
The conversation also explored the idea of perfection in relationships. Some participants argued that even if an advanced app were capable of generating a perfect match on paper, there would still be room for mistakes as these are inevitable in any human relationship. They suggested that leaving some imperfection in the partner selection process can be beneficial and contribute to a more authentic human experience.
Furthermore, skepticism was expressed regarding an app's ability to accurately assess sexual compatibility. One individual questioned whether an algorithm-based system could truly capture the nuanced dynamics of sexual compatibility, emphasising the importance of real-life experience and connection in this realm.
The potential for virtual immortality through avatars was also discussed. Companies envisage the creation of digital avatars based on a person's social media posts, emails, and personal data. These avatars could potentially be bequeathed to relatives or the public for perpetual conversations. However, Jordan argued that such virtual immortality may not satisfy the human need for connection, as there is no algorithm that can replicate the shared attributes that make human interactions meaningful, such as how someone smells, looks, or touches.
In conclusion, the conversation with Michael B. Jordan shed light on various aspects of contemporary issues surrounding technology in the entertainment industry, matchmaking apps, relationship dynamics, and the potential implications of technology on human values. The dialogue revealed differing viewpoints, ranging from trust in technology for matchmaking to the value of human intuition and the limits of technology in replicating the human experience. Ultimately, it highlighted the potential transformative impact of technology, raising questions about what it means to be human in an increasingly technologically-driven world.
Michael Sandel
The ethical concerns raised by AI technology are diverse and far-reaching. The four main concerns discussed in the provided information are job disruption, unfairness in algorithmic decision-making, an end to privacy, and the impact on democracy. AI may lead to significant job loss, raising concerns about the social and economic implications of widespread automation. Algorithms are often biased against certain groups, perpetuating inequality and discrimination. Surveillance capitalism poses a threat to personal privacy, as corporations collect and use personal data without consent. The spread of misinformation through social media undermines the democratic process. Technology also influences human identity, with examples like digital de-aging raising questions about authenticity and integrity. There is resistance to using AI to resurrect deceased actors for new roles, with objections based on dignity and authenticity. Trust in human judgment over AI is evident in the decision-making process for choosing life partners. Machines struggle to understand the ever-evolving nature of human beings and relationships. Virtual immortality through digital avatars is met with skepticism as concerns about spiritual connections and authenticity are raised. Overall, ethical considerations surrounding AI technology must be navigated responsibly to ensure its harmonious integration into society.
Audience
The analysis explores various perspectives on the use of AI in the entertainment industry and its implications for human emotions and connections. One argument revolves around the ethical concerns of digitally resurrecting deceased actors without their agency or consent. It highlights that deceased actors do not have the ability to decide their roles, leading to objections against using AI to recreate their performances.
The importance of consent in using a deceased person's image is also emphasized. The argument suggests that if a person gave consent before their passing, it may be acceptable to use their image posthumously. This viewpoint is supported by the belief that using a person's image after their death is only justified if they explicitly provided consent beforehand.
Furthermore, there are concerns raised about the potential loss of human dignity through posthumous digital recreation. The analysis presents the notion that digitally recreating individuals after their death may diminish their human dignity, as it projects them in a simulated and potentially distorted manner.
In the realm of matchmaking and love, the limitations of machine learning and apps are highlighted. It is argued that these technologies cannot fully replace human judgment when it comes to matters of the heart. The reasoning behind this is that people are not static entities that can be tested, as they change, grow, and have unpredictable experiences throughout their lives.
The need to preserve traditional forms of interaction and learning is also brought up. The analysis suggests that apps and technological advancements may expedite results but lack the depth of understanding and personal growth that comes from traditional methods. Concerns are expressed about the loss of certain essential steps in the process of love, such as the organic growth of emotional bonds and the skipping of experiences that foster personal development.
In terms of dating apps and marriages, skepticism is raised regarding their capability to predict or match individuals with opposite characteristics and anticipate their growth together. The audience believes that in many successful marriages, opposites attract, and people grow together over time. The argument questions whether dating apps can effectively replicate these real-life dynamics.
Throughout the analysis, the sentiment ranges from negative to positive, with concerns regarding consent, human dignity, and personal development. It is evident that there is an acknowledgement that technology cannot fully replicate or replace certain human experiences and emotions. The analysis offers a thought-provoking examination of the complexities surrounding the use of AI in entertainment and its impact on human emotions and connections.
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Audience
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Michael Sandel
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interview video
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