EXPLORING THE HORIZON OF SCIENCE: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO AI ETHICS

Abstract

In recent years, a modern field of artificial intelligence (AI) ethics has been emerging. Today, there is virtually no sphere of social functioning untouched by AI in one form or another. Furthermore, the functional autonomy possessed by these intelligent systems is rapidly increasing. All indications suggest that this trend will continue and likely intensify in the near future. In this process, it is natural for important questions to arise that warrant thorough philosophical and psychological analysis. Timely engagement with these issues could prevent potential disagreements and unwanted outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to provide a brief introduction to the emerging field of AI ethics, highlighting the problems and questions that the contemporary field of AI ethics addresses. It is based on the recognition of the inseparability of any ethical discussion from its psychological antecedents and consequences. The paper will first delve into the definition of artificial intelligence, as well as the definition of AI ethics and its subject of inquiry. It will then explore the most significant questions and issues in AI ethics (in terms of urgency), including autonomous systems, machine bias, the problem of opacity (i.e., the “black box” problem), machine consciousness, technological singularity, and other important topics addressed by AI ethics. Finally, the paper will discuss the researchers and professionals engaged in AI ethics, the interest of psychologists in AI ethics, and their potentially critical role in this emerging scientific field.