4 Streaching the notion of moral responsibility in nanoelectronics by appying AI
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Robert Albin
Abstract
The development of machine learning and deep learning (DL) in the field of AI (artificial intelligence) is the direct result of the advancement of nano-electronics. Machine learning is a function that provides the system with the capacity to learn from data without being programmed explicitly. It is basically a mathematical and probabilistic model. DL is part of machine learning methods based on artificial neural networks, simply called neural networks (NNs), as they are inspired by the biological NNs that constitute organic brains. Despite its similarity to biological organs such as human brains, major problems arise in trying to attribute moral responsibility to autonomic systems based on hardware including nano-electronic devices, which are sought to replace humans (moral agents) in the context of AI. It is suggested that the required emotional environment which enables actions according to reasons in humans is not witnessed at AI devices. Though AI technology raises an enticing resemblance to human actions, this resemblance is to be considered with a skeptical eye. It is because actions are associated with reasons while causes are connected to operations. Human agents are capable of acting upon their reasons, while AI devices are limited only to operations as they are conditioned by their programming, which is considered as an embodiment of some causes. As moral responsibility goes hand in hand with the capacity to act (according to reasons), attributing moral responsibility to AI devices is revealed to be but a misleading metaphor.
Abstract
The development of machine learning and deep learning (DL) in the field of AI (artificial intelligence) is the direct result of the advancement of nano-electronics. Machine learning is a function that provides the system with the capacity to learn from data without being programmed explicitly. It is basically a mathematical and probabilistic model. DL is part of machine learning methods based on artificial neural networks, simply called neural networks (NNs), as they are inspired by the biological NNs that constitute organic brains. Despite its similarity to biological organs such as human brains, major problems arise in trying to attribute moral responsibility to autonomic systems based on hardware including nano-electronic devices, which are sought to replace humans (moral agents) in the context of AI. It is suggested that the required emotional environment which enables actions according to reasons in humans is not witnessed at AI devices. Though AI technology raises an enticing resemblance to human actions, this resemblance is to be considered with a skeptical eye. It is because actions are associated with reasons while causes are connected to operations. Human agents are capable of acting upon their reasons, while AI devices are limited only to operations as they are conditioned by their programming, which is considered as an embodiment of some causes. As moral responsibility goes hand in hand with the capacity to act (according to reasons), attributing moral responsibility to AI devices is revealed to be but a misleading metaphor.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Preface: Converging technologies from the nanoscale require enhanced ethics VII
- Forewords XI
- Acknowledgments XVII
- Contents XIX
- Introduction: Overall vision of ethics in nanotechnology developments XXIII
- Embedding ethics in nanomedicine: Europe acted promptly XXIX
- List of contributing authors XXXIX
- About the editors XLIII
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Part I: International reflection
- 1 Toward a revitalized vision of ethics and safety for the revolutionary nanotechnologies 1
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Part II: Nanotechnology expansions raising ethical concerns
- 2 Nanotechnology in agrifood sector: Ethical, regulatory, and governance landscape in EU 25
- 3 Defining nanoscience and nano-ethics: why does the future need nanoproducts? 59
- 4 Streaching the notion of moral responsibility in nanoelectronics by appying AI 75
- 5 Risk screening tools for engineered nanomaterials 89
- 6 Nano-ethics: A view from a developing country 109
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Part III: Nanotechnology philosophy: Dilemmas and ethical issues
- 7 Christian thinking and acting in nanotechnologies: Reflection based on the principles and values of the Social Teaching of the Church based on apps concerning old people 121
- 8 Ethical imperatives towards the development prospects of the triad of Dentistry 4.0, dental engineering, and nanoengineering 157
- 9 Debate: Nanoparticles – a blessing or a curse? 249
- 10 The broad spectrum of ethics in nanoscience and nanotechnology: A reflection from scientific research to the media 269
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Part IV: Ethical recommendations for promising technology
- 11 From big statements to anecdotal and incremental regulation: Nanotechnology and the law in the EU 281
- 12 Emerging nanoregulations: zapping the mythical absence of nanotechnology law 297
- 13 Contemporary global bioethical challenges of innovation in nanoscience and nanotechnologies. Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals 311
- 14 Nanotechnology and ethics in dialogue 325
- 15 Revitalizing nano-ethics: Nanotechnology at the center of nano-ethics 337
- 16 Reflections on nano-ethics the way forward toward equitable and safe nanotechnology for all 349
- Conclusion 355
- Index 359
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Preface: Converging technologies from the nanoscale require enhanced ethics VII
- Forewords XI
- Acknowledgments XVII
- Contents XIX
- Introduction: Overall vision of ethics in nanotechnology developments XXIII
- Embedding ethics in nanomedicine: Europe acted promptly XXIX
- List of contributing authors XXXIX
- About the editors XLIII
-
Part I: International reflection
- 1 Toward a revitalized vision of ethics and safety for the revolutionary nanotechnologies 1
-
Part II: Nanotechnology expansions raising ethical concerns
- 2 Nanotechnology in agrifood sector: Ethical, regulatory, and governance landscape in EU 25
- 3 Defining nanoscience and nano-ethics: why does the future need nanoproducts? 59
- 4 Streaching the notion of moral responsibility in nanoelectronics by appying AI 75
- 5 Risk screening tools for engineered nanomaterials 89
- 6 Nano-ethics: A view from a developing country 109
-
Part III: Nanotechnology philosophy: Dilemmas and ethical issues
- 7 Christian thinking and acting in nanotechnologies: Reflection based on the principles and values of the Social Teaching of the Church based on apps concerning old people 121
- 8 Ethical imperatives towards the development prospects of the triad of Dentistry 4.0, dental engineering, and nanoengineering 157
- 9 Debate: Nanoparticles – a blessing or a curse? 249
- 10 The broad spectrum of ethics in nanoscience and nanotechnology: A reflection from scientific research to the media 269
-
Part IV: Ethical recommendations for promising technology
- 11 From big statements to anecdotal and incremental regulation: Nanotechnology and the law in the EU 281
- 12 Emerging nanoregulations: zapping the mythical absence of nanotechnology law 297
- 13 Contemporary global bioethical challenges of innovation in nanoscience and nanotechnologies. Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals 311
- 14 Nanotechnology and ethics in dialogue 325
- 15 Revitalizing nano-ethics: Nanotechnology at the center of nano-ethics 337
- 16 Reflections on nano-ethics the way forward toward equitable and safe nanotechnology for all 349
- Conclusion 355
- Index 359
