Ethics Meets AI
Accessible Intelligence: Designing for a More Ethical Present was the theme for the 14th Annual International Symposium on Digital Ethics that took place on March 14 at 黑料门University Chicago.
This event featured various panels composed of scholars, innovators, and educators sharing how to bridge the gap between artificial intelligence (AI) and digital ethics. We interviewed scholars who participated in the symposium to learn their views on the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies.
Students, faculty, and other attendees listen as Joe Vukov—Associate Professor of Philosophy and Associate Director of the Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage at 黑料门University Chicago—shares insights during a panel discussion on "Human Flourishing and AI."
This year’s symposium focused on how AI can shape the present. What do you think about this theme and why do you think this is important to discuss?
“The theme of Accessible Intelligence as it pertains to AI is vitally important now and moving forward. The learning models being used to train these systems have to be infused with an inclusive and diverse set of perspectives, ideals, and content to accurately reflect the totality of humanity and not a limited set of interests,” said 黑料门Associate Professor and filmmaker Vincent Singleton.
As we heard repeatedly at the symposium, those who design and use AI systems must be as focused on humanity as they are on efficiency. Jill Geisler, Bill Plante Chair in Leadership and Integrity, 黑料门University Chicago
As AI continues to grow, Singleton emphasized the importance of meaningful conversations surrounding these technological advancements.
“As artificial narrow intelligence advances toward artificial general intelligence and beyond to artificial super intelligence, biases that may be purposefully or unintentionally instilled will become exponentially more harmful to marginalized populations, said Singleton. “We need to be having discussions now to be active and proactive, and when necessary reactive, to ensure that the super alignment of AI remains congruent with our best possible underlying morals, ethics, and desired outcomes for the good of all.”
Symposium attendees listen intently during a panel on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence at 黑料门University Chicago.
In your view, what is the most overlooked ethical challenge in AI development today?
“As we heard repeatedly at the symposium, those who design and use AI systems must be as focused on humanity as they are on efficiency. Those who take an ethical approach to AI will always be mindful its impact on society writ large and its individual members, especially the most vulnerable and least powerful, and bring their voices to the table,” said Loyola’s Bill Plante Chair in Leadership and Integrity, Jill Geisler.
What key takeaways from your talk would you like audiences—particularly students and emerging professionals—to remember?
“I would advise people to look at the invisible labor that goes behind AI and how this will have implications for workers' rights and collective bargaining," said Assistant Professor Urooj Raja. “Having more conversations like those facilitated by Center for Digitial Ethics and Polices and as the speaker mentioned many existing frameworks omit labor—so having policies in place with teeth that safeguard worker rights.”
Faculty and attendees engage in lively discussion around AI and ethics during a panel at Loyola’s Digital Ethics Symposium.
What insights or perspectives shared during the event surprised you or challenged your thinking the most?
“As a professor in the SOC, it is most rewarding to see how our students go from our programs into the world – and thrive, while doing cutting edge work that they can come back and share,” said Dr. Florence Chee, director of the Loyola’s Center for Digital Ethics and Policy at Loyola. “It was especially a proud professor moment when Challis Lee, current SOC student, screened her final project on AI and the Entertainment Industry, and symposium attendees could see why it had received the accolade of top paper in Digital Media Ethics COMM 360—a course where we have majors from across the university engaged in these real debates in digital ethics and policy.”
Story by Bora Cecia • Photos by Olivia Mauldin
Where Ethics Meet AI:
Highlights from Loyola’s Digital Ethics Symposium
This year’s symposium focused on how AI can shape the present. What do you think about this theme and why do you think this is important to discuss?
“The theme of Accessible Intelligence as it pertains to AI is vitally important now and moving forward. The learning models being used to train these systems have to be infused with an inclusive and diverse set of perspectives, ideals, and content to accurately reflect the totality of humanity and not a limited set of interests,” said 黑料门Associate Professor and filmmaker Vincent Singleton.
As AI continues to grow, Singleton emphasized the importance of meaningful conversations surrounding these technological advancements.
“As artificial narrow intelligence advances toward artificial general intelligence and beyond to artificial super intelligence, biases that may be purposefully or unintentionally instilled will become exponentially more harmful to marginalized populations, said Singleton. “We need to be having discussions now to be active and proactive, and when necessary reactive, to ensure that the super alignment of AI remains congruent with our best possible underlying morals, ethics, and desired outcomes for the good of all.”
In your view, what is the most overlooked ethical challenge in AI development today?
“As we heard repeatedly at the symposium, those who design and use AI systems must be as focused on humanity as they are on efficiency. Those who take an ethical approach to AI will always be mindful its impact on society writ large and its individual members, especially the most vulnerable and least powerful, and bring their voices to the table,” said Loyola’s Bill Plante Chair in Leadership and Integrity, Jill Geisler.
What key takeaways from your talk would you like audiences—particularly students and emerging professionals—to remember?
“I would advise people to look at the invisible labor that goes behind AI and how this will have implications for workers' rights and collective bargaining," said Assistant Professor Urooj Raja. “Having more conversations like those facilitated by Center for Digitial Ethics and Polices and as the speaker mentioned many existing frameworks omit labor—so having policies in place with teeth that safeguard worker rights.”
What insights or perspectives shared during the event surprised you or challenged your thinking the most?
“As a professor in the SOC, it is most rewarding to see how our students go from our programs into the world – and thrive, while doing cutting edge work that they can come back and share,” said Dr. Florence Chee, director of the Loyola’s Center for Digital Ethics and Policy at Loyola. “It was especially a proud professor moment when Challis Lee, current SOC student, screened her final project on AI and the Entertainment Industry, and symposium attendees could see why it had received the accolade of top paper in Digital Media Ethics COMM 360—a course where we have majors from across the university engaged in these real debates in digital ethics and policy.”