Explore key concepts of AI ethics, focusing on moral agency and responsibility in automated decision making. This quiz challenges your understanding of ethical dilemmas, accountability, and the role of artificial intelligence in society.
Which of the following best describes a 'moral agent' in the context of AI ethics?
Explanation: A moral agent is defined as an entity that can understand the difference between right and wrong and act accordingly. Systems that merely process data or software running in the background lack this capacity. A person who programs computers may be involved in ethics, but the moral agent refers specifically to the entity making decisions. Thus, the correct answer highlights the essential aspect of ethical decision-making.
When an AI makes a harmful decision, who typically holds primary responsibility?
Explanation: Developers or designers are usually responsible because they create and set the rules for the AI system’s operation. AI, as of now, is not recognized as a legal person and cannot be held accountable itself. End-users might share responsibility in some cases, but they are not typically the main responsible parties. The idea that no one is responsible is incorrect since accountability is essential in ethical AI design.
Why is it ethically important to address biases in AI decision-making?
Explanation: Biases in AI can result in unjust or discriminatory outcomes, especially when used in critical areas like hiring or law. They do not make AI faster nor help maintain tradition, which is unrelated to ethics. Saying biases do not affect outcomes is incorrect, as bias directly influences AI decisions.
What does 'transparency' in AI systems mean, particularly regarding ethical decision-making?
Explanation: Transparency refers to the ability to explain and understand how AI systems reach decisions, which is crucial for ethical review. Making the system invisible or encrypting decisions reduces understanding, not increases it. Allowing anyone to modify code is about openness, not specifically transparency.
If an autonomous vehicle must choose between two harmful outcomes, what ethical challenge is it facing?
Explanation: A moral dilemma occurs when all available choices lead to undesirable outcomes, making it difficult to determine the ethically correct action. Hardware limitation and training bugs refer to technical issues, not ethical ones. A legal loophole is a gap in regulation, not an ethical challenge.
Which statement is true about the current legal status of AI regarding moral responsibility?
Explanation: Currently, AI is not seen as a legal or moral person and therefore cannot face legal responsibility for its actions. AI cannot be sued as an individual nor is it required to hold citizenship. Saying AI cannot process ethical rules is incorrect, as AI can be programmed to follow ethical guidelines.
Why is human oversight important in AI systems tasked with critical decision-making, such as in healthcare?
Explanation: Human oversight allows for error correction and ethical judgment beyond what an AI can achieve, especially in sensitive fields like healthcare. The purpose is not to slow progress, nor does it remove all accountability from AI processes. Humans can be biased; thus, that option is incorrect.
In the context of AI ethics, why should privacy of user data be a key concern?
Explanation: Protecting user privacy ensures sensitive information is not shared or used unethically, which is a fundamental principle in AI ethics. Privacy does not increase system speed and users often value security over public sharing of their data. It is not merely a logistic issue; it is an ethical and legal concern.
What is 'value alignment' in the context of AI decision-making?
Explanation: Value alignment means programming AI so its decisions and actions are consistent with widely accepted human values and ethical principles. Training AI to make random decisions or ignoring cultural differences does not align with this goal. Programming without human input may result in misaligned or unethical outcomes.
Why are ethical guidelines necessary when developing and using AI systems?
Explanation: Ethical guidelines provide a framework for developing AI systems that prioritize fairness, safety, and respect for users. They are not primarily designed to increase AI speed or solely for legal compliance. Reducing AI’s learning ability is not relevant to ethics; guidelines enhance responsible AI behavior.