Navigating in the moral landscape: analysing bias and discrimination in AI through philosophical inquiry

Abstract

This article embarks on a philosophical inquiry into the ethical virtues, particularly, kindness, empathy and compassion within the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), seeking to explicate its essence and explore its philosophical foundations. By delving into different philosophical theories of virtues, we can discover how these theories can be applied to the complex terrain of AI. Central challenges are addressed, including issues of bias, discrimination, fairness, transparency and accountability in the pursuit of promoting ethical principles in AI. Moreover, this exploration encompasses a critical examination of universal ethical principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, and respect for human dignity, specifically in the context of AI. This scrutiny underscores the pressing need for interdisciplinary collaboration between ethicists, technologists, and policymakers to forge robust frameworks that effectively promote values in AI. In pursuit of a comprehensive understanding, it is essential to subject various arguments and perspectives to evaluation. This entails engaging with philosophical theories such as utilitarianism, deontology and virtue ethics. Throughout the article, an extensive array of supporting evidence is employed to bolster the arguments presented by virtue ethics, such as the integration of compelling case studies, empirical research findings, and lived experiences that serve to illustrate and illuminate the practical implications of the discourse. By thoroughly exploring these multifaceted dimensions, this article offers nuanced philosophical insights. Its interdisciplinary approach and rigorous analysis aim to engender a comprehensive understanding of this complex issue, illuminating potential avenues for ethical progress within the realm of AI.