Is AI Dominance Inevitable? A Technology Ethicist Argues No
By Nir Eisikovits, Alayaran.com
In recent discussions across various sectors, a common narrative has emerged: artificial intelligence (AI) is not just the future, it's an unstoppable force. From business leaders to educators, and from scientists to national security experts, the message is clear - adapt to AI or be left behind. However, Professor Nir Eisikovits from UMass Boston’s Applied Ethics Center challenges this view, suggesting that the inevitability of AI's dominance might be more myth than reality.
Economic Impact Overstated?
In the business realm, AI is often touted as a game-changer for productivity. Yet, according to recent reports, including one from The Economist, the economic impact of AI has been negligible so far. This raises questions about the rush to integrate AI into every aspect of business operations without clear evidence of its benefits.
Education's AI Dilemma
Higher education institutions have eagerly adopted AI, viewing it as essential for preparing students for future careers. However, this enthusiasm might be premature. While AI can offer innovative teaching tools, like chatbots that simulate historical figures, it also poses significant challenges. The traditional college essay, a cornerstone for developing critical thinking, is becoming obsolete as AI-generated content becomes indistinguishable from student work, potentially undermining one of education's key objectives.
Medical Advancements with Caveats
In medicine and science, AI's promise is undeniable, particularly in areas like protein structure analysis, which could revolutionize disease treatment. However, the excitement sometimes overshadows the failures, such as AI's inability to predict severe cases of diseases like COVID-19, leading to over-reliance on technology at the expense of clinical judgment.
National Security: A Race or a Choice?
The national security argument for AI is perhaps the most compelling, given the strategic implications if rivals like China or Russia advance in AI-driven weaponry. Yet, Eisikovits cautions against a full embrace of AI without considering its global ramifications, particularly on less affluent nations, and the potential for international arms control agreements rather than an unchecked arms race.
A Call for Nuanced Adoption
Eisikovits argues for a more measured approach to AI integration, urging skepticism and a focus on piecemeal adoption rather than blanket acceptance. He points out that those promoting AI's inevitability often have vested interests in its adoption. Reflecting on the smartphone and social media revolution, he reminds us that technologies once deemed inevitable can be re-evaluated and adjusted when their negative impacts become apparent.
As AI continues to evolve, the debate over its inevitability and ethical implications remains open. Eisikovits’ insights from UMass Boston’s Applied Ethics Center provide a crucial perspective, advocating for a thoughtful and ethical integration of AI into society, ensuring it serves humanity rather than dictates its future.
Professor Nir Eisikovits is a Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Applied Ethics Center at UMass Boston.
(This article is adapted from an original piece by Professor Eisikovits published on The Conversation.)