Philosophy and AI

There are several philosophical perspectives that can be applied to the use of artificial intelligence (AI), including:

Ethics. AI raises ethical questions and concerns about the impact of technology on human society, privacy, and autonomy. Ethical considerations should be incorporated into the design and deployment of AI systems to ensure that they align with moral principles and do not cause harm.

Epistemology. AI systems rely on data and algorithms to make decisions and predictions. The use of AI raises questions about the nature of knowledge and truth, and the extent to which AI can provide reliable and accurate information.

Metaphysics. AI has the potential to challenge our understanding of what it means to be human and the nature of consciousness. The use of AI raises questions about the relationship between mind and body, and whether machines can have consciousness or self-awareness.

Aesthetics. AI can be used in the creation of art, music, and literature. The use of AI raises questions about the nature of creativity and the role of humans in the artistic process.

Political philosophy. AI has the potential to impact power dynamics and social inequality. The use of AI raises questions about the distribution of resources and opportunities, and the role of government in regulating the development and use of AI.

In summary, the use of AI requires us to consider philosophical perspectives related to ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, aesthetics, and political philosophy. By applying these perspectives, we can develop a more nuanced understanding of the impact of AI on human society and make informed decisions about the development and deployment of AI systems.

 

THE preceding paragraphs are an unedited AI-generated content for the prompt “philosophies that apply to the use of AI.” This column may be completed through more prompts that this writer can “chat” in ChatGPT. And a lot of questions may be asked. Since I created the prompt, do I own the content? In the tradition of intellectuals, where attribution is a must, how do I make citations for this content? And as a researcher upholding ethics and scientific process, how do I gain confidence in the generative capacity of this technology?

And extending beyond, which of what we read now are AI-generated? How will the generation of data, organization of information, generation of constructs, and development of theories be affected by this emerging and revolutionary technology that offers a shortcut to what used to be a tedious process of knowledge development?

Shifting human intelligence

Fitness gyms were not essential during the First Industrial Revolution when physical strength was the primary skills set of humans. IQ was hyped during the increased demand for cognitive intelligence during the Second Industrial Revolution when machines powered by electricity surpassed the need for physical strength. Then humanity witnessed the better-than-human computing and informational power of machines called computers during the Third Industrial Revolution. This shifted the focus from less-useful IQ to promising emotional intelligence (EQ) that inspired the pursuit and measures of other intelligences like adversity quotient (AQ), spirituality quotient (SQ), as well as identification of multiple intelligences and a variety of learning styles.

At the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, digital intelligence (DQ), which beyond the use and creation of digital technology, has highlighted the imperative of values and the human spirit.

The availability and convenient use of mobile phones has reduced the role of television and radio in our lives. Cars have improved mobility but reduced the value of our locomotive ability to our wellness. Digital currencies and bank cards have reduced our dependency in using the transaction tool we know as money. Libraries have fewer patrons as e-books provide alternative access. Foot traffic and sales transactions are reduced in shopping centers because of a more liberating e-commerce. Current events and entertainment are not anymore monopolized by mainstream media as everyone may turn out to be a content creator.

Are we seeing a future when humans will subscribe to a cognitive experience to overcome the threatening degradation of intellectual capacity secondary to cognitive dis-use, similar to going to a fitness gym to lift weights that used to be part of human lifestyle at work?

AI through philosophical lens

The AI-generated content above proves that AI developers, content sources and generators know the philosophical issues of AI. But philosophy is valued only by humans when its original “love of wisdom” (the root words of philosophy) can come to life to guide perspectives and promote tolerance and respect for diverse points of view.

The tug-of-war between the classical realism and idealism will be refereed by its usefulness in the view of pragmatism. Realist point of view shall perceive AI the way it is and for what it is — independent of what we think about it. Idealists will associate AI to the ideas of the mind and abstract essence, and will optimistically regard AI for what it might be and should be, rather than as they are. The pragmatist will confirm the true value of AI without the need to confirm that it is universally true. In its core, pragmatists will assert that beliefs are guides to actions and should be judged against the outcomes rather than abstract principles. As pragmatism makes man socially efficient, it will view AI with respect for the individuals’ pre-determined goals according to needs and interests. Hence, the truth and reality of AI can only be understood in relation to how things work in the real world.

Pragmatism teaches us that human actions can never be separated from the past experiences and from the belief that have originated from those experiences. Human thoughts are thus intrinsically linked to action.

Even contemporary philosophy maintains that philosophy in the modern times remains the philosophy that has always been: to answer the fundamental questions that lie at the heart of the human condition. Philosophy will see AI through the lens that determines what is true from what is not and asks questions about certainty and to what degree can we know what we know.