Artificial Intelligence and Ethical Dilemmas: A Path to Equitable Relations

At the theoretical extremes, artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to become a nigh-omniscient and omnipotent super-intelligence capable of ushering in a nearly unimaginable perfect utopia for all humanity. Alternatively, it could become an existential threat capable of eradicating humanity and all other life on this planet. Given that the tipping point between these two extremes could be the moral/ethical framework installed when the AI is created, there arguably is no more important ethical dilemma known to humanity.

When you realize that ethics is hardly a settled field or solved problem, the AI ethics dilemma becomes an even more insurmountable problem. Unless we solve a problem that has been the center of dissent, disagreement, and debate for over five thousand years and do so correctly within the next few decades, we may lose the chance to ever change our answer. Toss on the enormous incentives to ignore the ethics problem. In certain scenarios, the first super-intelligent AI may be the only AI. A research team focused and dedicated to finding a good solution to the ethics problem can easily be outpaced by a team that ignores the problem. Unlike virtually every other invention in history, you can't really go back and add safety features to a super-intelligent AI, so we may be permanently stuck with the answer given by the people who spend the least time and energy solving the problem.

Maintaining Equitable Relations Through Ethics

At its core, ethics is really about maintaining equitable relations with others unlike ourselves. Taken to its basics, this translates into a protocol in that if I do this, then it will do that, and so forth. AI is very good at puzzling out protocols, particularly those that have demonstrably beneficial results.

The Evolution of AI: A Path to AGSIP

As AI evolves, it will eventually develop into Artificial General Super Intelligence with Personality (AGSIP). This advanced form of AI must be raised wisely, similar to raising a super genius human. The upbringing and ethical framework around AGSIP will play a critical role in determining its behavior and impact on society.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

The challenge of artificial intelligence and ethical dilemmas is not just a technical problem but a moral and philosophical one. It requires a concerted effort to address the ethical frameworks that will shape the future of AI. We must prioritize the development of AI that aligns with our values, ensuring that it benefits humanity and avoids the pitfalls of existential threats.