AI Design across Cultures- cognitive linguistics describes ethical implications
Abstract
We propose a 2-year DECUR partnership project between the National Defense University (NDU) and the University of Utah to identify and describe design elements of artificial intelligence (AI) that vary between the culture of design and the culture of use. In particular, this project seeks to investigate ethical implications of AI design across cultures with relevance for national defense strategy by examining frequent AI tasks used in information operations. Cognitive science and computer science have long been wedded disciplines, each rooted in a western-centric tradition. Our social science contribution will be an adaptation of cognitive linguistics methods that permits more insight into cultural dimensions of AI design while maintaining the cognitive science link. Our collaborative effort will substantively involve stakeholders in national defense, specifically the Joint Force, through the NDU network as a Joint Professional Military institution. The NDU team led by Dr. Sutherlin and the University of Utah team led by Dr. Jarvis propose to examine the cultural variation in the core components of AI that mirror cognitive processes using methods from cognitive linguistics in order to observe cognitive variation through the use of language. In particular, this project will ask research questions in two areas- Phase 1 will explore what elements are variable across cultures for AI development and use. Phase 2 will describe the implications of these variations in terms of ethical considerations that would be significant for national defense. This project merges Dr. Jarvis’ expertise in cognitive linguistics and bilingual human subject experimentation with Dr. Sutherlin’s work in AI ethics across cultures. NDU will facilitate stakeholder engagement of primary AI users including the Joint MISO WebOps Center at USSOCOM and J39 global operations at USINDOPACOM ensuring application to National Defense Strategy 1 priorities. The dialog between these teams to develop the experimental design, including an in-depth problem exploration, methods development, and scenario selection will ensure a stronger connection to national defense objectives along with refined scientific knowledge gains beyond what the conventional request for research can deliver. Additionally, the development of a shared lexicon and analytic perspectives may facilitate future research that prioritizes basic social science around culture in technical and national security spaces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 29, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310315
Entities
People
- Maryann Christison
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Utah