5. Digital Responsibility

What is a moral dilemma?

A situation in which different actions lead to morally problematic consequences, so there is no obviously perfect choice.

What is ethics?

The philosophical study of moral phenomena and the justification of what is morally right or wrong.

What is normative ethics?

The branch of ethics that asks what we should do and which actions are morally right or wrong.

What is Deontology?

• ethical theory associated with Immanuel Kant

• focuses on

  • duties,

  • rules

  • and the motive

  • behind an action

  • rather than its consequences.

What is Utilitarianism?

• ethical theory

• evaluates actions according to their consequences

• aims to maximize pleasure and minimize displeasure.

What is the key difference between Kant and Utilitarianism?

Kant focuses: duties, rules and motives;

Utilitarianism: on consequences and the overall outcome.

What is Kant's Universalistic Principle?

An action should follow a rule that could be accepted as a universal rule for everyone.

What is Kant's Formula of Humanity?

People must always be treated as ends in themselves and never merely as a means to achieve a goal.

What is the Utility Principle?

Choose the action that produces the largest amount of pleasure for the largest number of affected people.

What is the Pleasure Principle in Utilitarianism?

Maximize pleasure and minimize displeasure.

What does Utilitarianism consider when evaluating an action?

The consequences and the pleasure/displeasure of all people affected by the action.

What is the Hedonic Calculus?

A method associated with Bentham for evaluating the amount of pleasure or pain produced by an action.

What are the 7 factors of the Hedonic Calculus?

1. Intensity

2. Duration

3. Certainty

4. Propinquity

5. Fecundity

6. Purity

7. Extent

What is the Trolley Problem?

A runaway trolley will kill five people unless a lever is pulled to switch the trolley to another track, where it will kill one person.

How would a Utilitarian approach the Trolley Problem?

Pull the lever, because 1 person dies but 5 people survive, producing the better overall consequence.

How would Kantian Deontology approach the Trolley Problem?

Do not pull the lever, because the one person would be intentionally treated merely as a means to save the other five.

Why are ethical theories relevant to AI?

• AI systems can make or support decisions that have moral consequences,

• ethical frameworks can help guide responsible AI design, deployment and governance.

What are the three practical problems of Deontology mentioned in the lecture?

1. Applicability

2. Classification

3. Inconsistence

What are the three practical problems of Utilitarianism mentioned in the lecture?

1. Requirements

2. Judgement

3. Limitations