On Ethics & Morality of the AI Era

Prepared by Peter Lichang Kuo

I. Introduction

In today's context of rapid technological development, artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually being integrated into every aspect of our lives, ranging from medical diagnosis to auto-driving. However, with the popularization of AI technology, related ethical and moral issues have become increasingly prominent. We will discuss how to balance the perceptual morality of Adam Smith (1723~1790) and the rational morality of Immanuel Kant (1724~1804) to establish a moral structure in line with human values in the era of AI.

Fig 1: Adam Smith and Kant

II. About Adam Smith’s Sentimental Morality

Adam Smith published "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" in 1759, a book that explored the basis of human moral feelings and behavior. First of all, he argued that "sympathy is the core of human moral emotions," and that individuals' perception and resonance with others' feelings promote the formation of moral behavior.

Secondly, he discussed how humans make "moral judgments" based on emotion, believing that morality is not determined by reason alone, but is affected by personal emotions and the social environment.

Third, he introduced the concept of the "impartial spectator" and pointed out that in moral judgment, individuals should adopt the perspective of bystanders and consider the feelings of others in order to form a fairer evaluation.

Fourth, he emphasized the importance of the "social environment" for moral behavior, believing that moral emotions are strengthened and developed through social interactions, and that social norms have a significant impact on individual behavior.

Fifth, he discussed the relationship between moral behavior and "self-interest," pointing out that moral emotions can guide individuals to consider the rights and interests of others when pursuing their own interests, thereby achieving the overall interests of society.

In short, "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" provides an emotion-based moral theory that emphasizes the central role of human emotions in moral judgment and behavior. These views have a profound impact on subsequent ethics and social science research.

III. About Kant’s Rational Morality

Kant published "Critique of Practical Reason" in 1788. This book mainly discusses moral reason and moral laws, further developing Kant's moral philosophy, especially the concept of the "Categorical Imperative," which is the core of his moral philosophy. First, he argues that moral laws should be universal and unconditional, applicable to all rational beings. He proposed several forms of "categorical imperatives," the most famous of which is: "Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law." This means that when making moral decisions, we should consider whether our actions can be applied as universal laws.

Secondly, "Reason and Freedom": Kant emphasizes that reason is the basis of moral behavior. As rational beings, humans have free will and can choose moral behaviors independently. He believes that the real source of moral behavior is the inner moral law rather than external interests or emotions.

Third, "Teleology" (End-in-itself): Kant argues that human beings should be regarded as ends in themselves, rather than as mere means. He states: "Human beings must be treated as ends in themselves, and not merely as means to an end." This statement emphasizes respect for the dignity and value of everyone, reflecting the core concept of moral cultivation. He advocates that we should respect everyone’s dignity because all individuals possess reason and freedom.

Most people do not have a clear concept of ethics and morals. Kant made a clear distinction between "Morality" and "Ethics." First, Kant argues that morality is an "internal law" (immanence), based on reason and free will. Moral laws are universal, applicable to all rational beings, and represent the inevitable requirements of people's hearts; this means that everyone is able to identify these laws through reason rather than relying on external norms or results.

Secondly, Kant argues that ethics is typically understood as "specific norms of behavior" (externality). These norms may be influenced by culture, society, or personal beliefs; ethics may include specific behavioral norms or social agreements, but they are not necessarily based on universally applicable moral laws. In short, morality is inner cultivation, represented by the universal law embodied in the categorical imperative. Ethics are external norms, and the specific ways to practice moral principles may vary according to different situations or cultural backgrounds.

IV. Integrating Sentimentality and Rationality

Although Adam Smith's sentimental morality and Kant's rational morality have different starting points and emphases, they can be discussed through some common themes, making them complementary:

1. Differences in Moral Foundations:

1) Adam Smith’s Emotional Basis: Smith emphasized human moral feelings, particularly sympathy, as the core of moral judgment. He believed that individual emotions and social interactions have a direct impact on the formation of moral behavior.

2) Kant’s Rational Basis: In contrast, Kant argued that moral behavior should be based on reason, not just emotion. He maintained that moral law is universal and unconditional, derived from reason. This is the so-called "categorical imperative."

2. Standards for Moral Judgment:

1) Adam Smith’s Emotional Considerations: In Smith’s view, moral judgment is based on emotional resonance, and individuals form moral evaluations while considering the feelings of others.

2) Kant’s Universal Laws: Kant proposed that true moral behavior should respect universal laws, which can be applied in all situations and should not solely rely on specific emotional reactions.

3. The Relationship Between Society and Individuals:

1) Adam Smith’s Social Interaction: Smith emphasized how the social environment affects individual moral behavior, believing that social norms and interpersonal relationships are significant factors in moral development.

2) Kant’s Individual Autonomy: Kant emphasized the moral autonomy of individuals and believed that everyone should act according to moral laws guided by reason, which makes moral judgments more universal.

4. Balance Between Altruism and Self-Interest:

1) Adam Smith’s Altruistic Considerations: Smith believed that moral emotions can guide individuals to consider the rights and interests of others while pursuing their own interests, thus achieving overall social benefits.

2) Kant’s View of Obligation: Kant pointed out that true moral behavior should not focus solely on results but should be based on adherence to moral obligations, even if it means sacrificing personal interests.

In short, Adam Smith’s theory of “emotion-based morality” and Kant’s concept of “rational morality” represent two distinct moral frameworks, but they find common ground in many aspects. The former's emphasis on social emotions and interactive ethics can complement Kant's rational ethics. It highlights that while pursuing rationality, the role of human emotions should not be overlooked. It is not purely rational; rather, it can be empathetic. Such dialogue can promote a more comprehensive understanding of ethical issues and help us find effective moral guidance in modern society.

V. The Upcoming Changes Brought by AI

When the e-commerce bill was drafted at APEC in 1997, we were invited to serve as international consulting experts and suggested the establishment of an "Economic Institute" (EI) to compile teaching materials—especially the formulation of a "Code of Ethics." Unfortunately, corruption attacks prevented EI from continuing. Of course, the development of the e-commerce industry without ethical codes has caused many imbalances, such as the increasing concentration of wealth.

Fig. 2: "Code of Ethics" was discussed at APEC's EI

In today's era of rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), social changes are becoming more pronounced, and ethical and moral issues have become increasingly important. The wide application of AI technology in various fields, including “industry, transportation, and medicine,” has had a profound impact on social structure and personal lives. However, the promotion of these technologies also raises many ethical challenges, such as data privacy, job losses, and transparency in decision-making.

To address these challenges, we can integrate Adam Smith's sentimental morality with Kant's rational morality. Kant's “rational ethics” emphasizes universality and consistency, requiring AI systems to follow universalizable moral laws to ensure fairness and accountability. Meanwhile, Adam Smith's “sentimental morality” focuses on compassion and social interaction, encouraging the design of AI systems that can understand human emotions, thereby improving the quality of human-computer interaction.

On this basis, we should establish an ethical framework that considers both “rationality and sentimentality,” emphasizing education and interdisciplinary cooperation to promote the responsible use of AI technology. Only under the guidance of ethical principles can AI truly become a tool to enhance human well-being and ensure that the development of science and technology remains aligned with core human values.

V-1. Possible Impacts of AI on Society:

1. Changes in the Labor Market: Job losses and the emergence of new positions caused by AI automation will alter the demand structure of the labor market; some positions may disappear, while new ones will emerge, requiring the retraining of the workforce to adapt.

2. Transformation of the Decision-Making Process: AI's role in assisting decision-making across various industries, including medical diagnosis, financial investment, and legal judgment, will challenge traditional decision-making models and may affect human autonomy and accountability.

3. Data Privacy and Security: As AI relies on large amounts of data, issues of data privacy and security will become critical; personal information may be misused, leading to a crisis of trust.

4.Expansion of Social Inequality: The application of AI may exacerbate social inequality, as the beneficiaries of technology are often those with resources, while marginalized groups may face further exclusion.

5. Moral and Ethical Challenges: In the design and application of AI systems, addressing ethical decisions (such as how autonomous vehicles should act in the event of an accident) will become a significant issue.

V-2. Ethical and Moral Preparation:

The evolution of AI has a more far-reaching impact than early e-commerce, as it not only changes business models but also affects social structures, economic operations, and human interactions on a broader scale. Here are some of my thoughts on the implementation of ethics:

1. Self-Reflection and Awareness: Citizens should regularly engage in self-reflection and consider whether their actions align with universal moral laws. This includes examining one’s own motives and choices to ensure they are based on reason and respect for the dignity of others.

2. Cultivating Empathy: An important aspect of moral development is understanding the feelings and needs of others. Citizens should strive to develop empathy and put themselves in others' shoes, which can help promote ethical behavior and social harmony.

3. Adhering to Social Norms and Ethical Codes: It is important to understand and follow the ethical codes generally accepted in society, which include not only laws and policies but also cultural and moral consensus. Such compliance can enhance social trust and cooperation.

4. Active Participation in Public Affairs: Citizens should engage in community activities, volunteer services, or public discussions, which not only helps enhance social responsibility but also improves moral development and ethical awareness.

5. Education and Lifelong Learning: Continuously pursuing knowledge and moral education, understanding different cultures and moral concepts, and enhancing sensitivity and critical thinking regarding ethical issues can help citizens better navigate moral dilemmas.

6. Courage to Take Responsibility: When faced with mistakes, citizens should have the courage to take responsibility, acknowledge the impact of their actions on others or society, and strive to make improvements.

The widespread application of AI will bring significant changes to “society, the economy, and personal lives.” Through these efforts, citizens can find a balance between moral development and ethical codes, promoting personal growth and social harmony. In this process, we need to make comprehensive preparations and adaptations based on ethics to ensure that the development of AI benefits everyone rather than exacerbating inequality or triggering new moral crises. Facing increasingly complex moral challenges, we must establish an ethical framework that takes into account both rationality and emotion. This will not only help protect human dignity and rights but also promote the healthy development of science and technology. Only through “education, cooperation, and continuous reflection” can we meet the challenges of the future and ensure that AI technology truly serves the well-being of all humanity.

V-3. Adjustment of Higher Education:

In addition, regarding education, the trend of incorporating philosophy courses into the study of medicine and science, especially Kant’s philosophy, may have significant impacts on society:

1. Improvement of Ethical Awareness:

1) Medical Ethics: In the medical field, elective philosophy courses can help students gain a deeper understanding of core issues in medical ethics, such as informed consent, patient autonomy, and medical justice. Kant's moral law emphasizes human dignity, which provides guiding significance for how to treat patients in medical practice.

2) Science and Technology Ethics: For science and engineering students, studying philosophy can encourage them to reflect on the moral and social impacts of technological innovation, promoting responsible technology development.

2. Cultivation of Critical Thinking: Philosophy courses emphasize the cultivation of critical thinking and argumentation skills, which are essential for students in any discipline. This ability enables medical students and science and engineering students to analyze and evaluate options rationally, allowing them to make wise decisions when facing complex problems.

3. Interdisciplinary Understanding and Cooperation: In today's society, many issues are interdisciplinary, such as public health, environmental challenges, and technological development. Studying philosophy fosters dialogue between different disciplines and helps students understand how their learning functions within broader social and ethical contexts.

4. Improvement of Humanistic Literacy: Integrating philosophy into scientific and medical education will enhance students’ humanistic literacy, enabling them not only to acquire professional knowledge but also to better understand human experiences, values, and social backgrounds, thus allowing them to practice with greater compassion and humanity.

5. Enhancement of Social Responsibility: Studying ethical theories, such as Kant's philosophy, can strengthen students' sense of social responsibility, enabling them to consider the impact of their actions on society and the environment more effectively in their future careers and promoting sustainable societal development.

This trend helps cultivate more comprehensive and ethically aware professionals, improving their professional capabilities while also encouraging reflection on human values and social responsibilities. This has important implications for building a more responsible and sustainable society.

VI. Summary

When considering the ethics of the AI generation, both Kant’s rationality and Adam Smith’s sentimentality have their own applicability, but they also face different challenges and opportunities. Kant's rationality provides a stable moral structure and is suitable for designing AI systems that adhere to consistency and responsibility, which is particularly important for law and policy formulation. In contrast, Adam Smith's sentimentality emphasizes the needs of human nature and society, making it suitable for designing AI systems that can understand and respond to human emotions, which are critical for improving the quality of human-computer interaction.

Therefore, ideally, combining Kant's rational morality with Smith's sentimental morality to form a comprehensive ethical framework that values both universality and responsibility while also paying attention to human emotions and social contexts may represent the most suitable moral perspective for the era of AI.

Peter Lichang Kuo, the author created Taiwan's Precision Industry in his early years. Peter was a representative of the APEC CEO Summit and an expert in the third sector. He advocated "anti-corruption (AC)/cashless/e-commerce (E-Com)/ICT/IPR/IIA-TES / Micro-Business (MB)…and etc." to win the international bills and regulations.