Mastodawn

Per Axbom Jun 22, 2023

A common argument I come across when talking about ethics in AI is that it's just a tool, and like any tool it can be used for good or for evil. One familiar declaration is this one: "It's really no different from a hammer". I was compelled to make a poster to address these claims. Steal it, share it, print it and use it where you see fit.

https://axbom.com/hammer-ai/

#AiEthics #DigitalEthics

If a hammer was like AI…

Computations will “estimate” your aim, tend to miss the nail and push for a different design. Often unnoticeably.

Axbom

Show thread

BrooklynMan (in exile) 🏳️‍🌈Jul 8, 2023

@axbom I would argue that “it’s just a tool” isn’t an inaccurate argument, per se, it’s just dangerously oversimplified, per the argument laid out in this poster. Like, say… smartphones, the “tool” that is AI comes with many considerations in its use (as does a product like a smartphone in their manufacture) which require a great deal of regulation and ethical consideration in our approach to them.

Show thread

Per Axbom Jul 8, 2023

@brooklynman

Yeah I agree with your point. I’d say my main concern is that the statement itself removes accountability and consideration for the bigger picture effects. Saying something is just a tool creates the faulty mental model of all tools having interchangeable qualities frrom an ethical perspective, which simply isn’t true.

Which is just me repeating what you just said. 😂

The word to watch out for is ”just”. If we instead said ”it’s a tool” that would make more sense. The word ”just” is there to shed accountability.

Show thread

BrooklynMan (in exile) 🏳️‍🌈

@axbom i agree with you, too. The hand-waving away of any thought or care to act with responsibility is troubling. As with any tool, there can be consequence with its origin and/or use. Where does the lithium or cadmium in your batteries come from or go once you done with it? Or that hamburger you just ate? Such questions deserve consideration for they all have an aggregate impact on our world.