Open AccessOn The Ethical Challenge of the Predicament of AI and the Perspectives Offered by Buddhism
Author(s) -
Theodoor Richard,
Peter D. Hershock
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
exchanges
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2053-9665
DOI - 10.31273/eirj.v9i2.897
Subject(s) - buddhism , flourishing , buddhist philosophy , individualism , conversation , environmental ethics , techne , sociology , engineering ethics , epistemology , philosophy , law , political science , psychology , social psychology , engineering , theology , communication
In this article, I will explore the debate on the ethical challenges posed by AI. I will do so by engaging in conversation with Dr. Peter Hershock who is expert in Modern Buddhism and Ethics. Dr. Hershock has recently published a landmark study on the matter called Buddhism and Intelligent Technology: Toward a More Humane Future (2021). He argues that the main challenge that AI poses, is not technological, but ethical. And that we need to establish an ethics that will foster a shared flourishing for all on this planet if we want to resolve the predicament of value conflicts embedded in the technologically driven advancement of AI. This could be done through development of what Dr. Hershock calls virtuosic relational dynamics, a relational way of organizing our society that goes beyond individualism. To reach there, the perspectives offered by Buddhist philosophy will be discussed and explained. In conclusion, we will propose that Buddhist philosophy can offer insights and practices that may enrich our pursuit of sustainable AI ethics.