Computing Reviews
Today's Issue Hot Topics Search Browse Recommended My Account Log In
Review Help
Search
Artificial intelligence for a better future: an ecosystem perspective on the ethics of ai and emerging digital technologies
Stahl B., Springer, Switzerland, 2021. 124 pp. Type: Book (978-3-030699-77-2)
Date Reviewed: Dec 21 2021

Ethics may save us from the possibly negative effects of artificial intelligence (AI). The author, Stahl, leads the SHERPA consortium, whose work is the basis of this book. Project Sherpa (https://www.project-sherpa.eu) stands for ”shaping the ethical dimensions of smart information systems.”

First, AI is surveyed from the perspective of how it is viewed by society rather than what AI is actually capable of doing. For example, the author does not believe that a general AI like HAL is possible; however, he does believe that the possibility of a HAL-like system influences society.

Ethics is presented from an ecosystem perspective for “human flourishing.” Four ethical principles of AI are developed: respect for human autonomy, prevention of harm, fairness, and explicability. This leads to seven key requirements: human agency and oversight; technical robustness and safety; privacy and data governance; transparency; diversity, non-discrimination and fairness; social and environmental wellbeing; and accountability.

SHERPA project findings include 39 ethical issues that were derived from interviews with experts. These were categorized into three areas: issues arising from machine learning; living in a digital world; and metaphysical issues. The three ways these issues can be addressed are discussed: policy level, organizational approaches, and guidance for individuals and groups.

Current efforts are identified and classified into categories in a very interesting chart. The Collingridge dilemma is discussed: it is easier to address issues early in the life cycle, but consequences are not clear; when consequences become clearer, changes are harder. Finally, the basics of AI ecosystems for human flourishing are discussed and recommendations are presented.

The book is very current and well written. Every chapter has extensive references.

Reviewer:  David A. Gustafson Review #: CR147393
Bookmark and Share
  Reviewer Selected
Editor Recommended
Featured Reviewer
 
 
Ethics (K.4.1 ... )
 
Would you recommend this review?
yes
no
Other reviews under "Ethics": Date
Making ethical decisions
Kreie J., Cronan T. Communications of the ACM 43(12): 66-71, 2000. Type: Article
Apr 1 2001
Ethical and social issues in the information age
Kizza J., Springer-Verlag New York, Inc., Secaucus, NJ, 2002.  232, Type: Book (9780387954219)
May 6 2003
The error of futurism: prediction and computer ethics
Horner D. ACM SIGCAS Computers and Society 32(7): 42004. Type: Article
Apr 30 2004
more...

E-Mail This Printer-Friendly
Send Your Comments
Contact Us
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.   Copyright 1999-2024 ThinkLoud®
Terms of Use
| Privacy Policy