Towards Ethical AI: Mathematics Influences Human Behavior

Synopsis Mathematics plays an important role in the linguistic structure of artificial intelligence (AI). We describe the linguistic process as a unique structure present both in human cognition and in cognitive computing. The close relationship with both AI and human cognition is due to this unique structure, which paves the way for AI to interfere with the behavior of those who interact with it. We highlight the role of mathematicians in designing algorithms—the core of the AI linguistic process—and in defining steps and instructions for AI. Because algorithms, through AI, interfere with the thought of those who interact with AI by providing anticipated solutions that prevent users from making free choices, we investigate how we can apply ethical principles to guide interactions between users and intelligent systems in order to address this issue. We contend that by integrating ethical principles in the mathematical modeling of algorithms, we can avoid manipulation, inequality, and black boxes in the protection of individual rights. As such, ethical considerations are highly important for those working with algorithms, which highlights the humanistic side of mathematics.