Artificial Intelligence: The Ethical Balance between Common Good and the Demise of the Future
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly emerging technology that has the potential to disrupt the conduct of warfare for the United States while challenging ethical values. This research paper seeks to expound the topics on how ethics and AI are important to the military's future and how both elements affect the future in warfare. Additionally, further examination is done regarding the unpredictability of AI and Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems, which broadens the scope of ethical issues beyond the technology. Through the ethical frameworks of deontology, consequentialism, and virtue, the analysis links how much morals differ depending upon the viewpoint of those that are analyzing them in regard to AI, ethics, and the current threat environment. Lastly, it is argued that AI and ethics are becoming increasingly intertwined and impactful for the U.S. military and have profound implications regarding a technological arms race, evolutionary impact on combat, and potential for conflict on a global scale. Reflection on these connections confirms the inseparable nature of ethical perspective, technology, and human life. It is incumbent on researchers, military leaders, legislators, and polities to apply some form of ethical understanding and moral-based decisions to establish a framework for AI development and implementation with a clear path forward.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 05, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1120902
Entities
People
- Jackson T. Doan
Organizations
- Naval War College