As If Human

A new approach to the challenges surrounding artificial intelligence that argues for assessing AI actions as if they came from a human being

Every day we are confronted with ethical challenges arising from machine-mediated decision-making. Is the facial recognition software used by an agency fair? When algorithms determine questions of justice, finance, health, and defense, are the decisions proportionate, equitable, transparent, and accountable? How do we harness technology to empower rather than oppress?

Nigel Shadbolt and Roger Hampson argue that we can avert a disastrous and amoral future by assessing artificial-intelligence decisions, products, and calls for action as if they came from a human being. The authors go beyond the headlines about rampant robots to apply established moral principles, setting out seven "proverbs" for shaping this future:

• A thing should say what it is and be what it says.

• Artificial intelligences should show respect for human beings.

• Artificial intelligences are ethical only if they embody the best human values.

• Artificial intelligences should be transparent and accountable to humans.

• Humans have a right to be judged by humans if they so wish.

• Decisions that affect a lot of humans should involve a lot of humans.

• The future of humanity must not be decided in private by vested interests.