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18/09/2024 - AI Ethics Explored by Father Paolo Benanti at Pomilio Summer School (Italy)

argument: Notizie/News - Ethics and Philosophy of Law

Source: Il Centro

The article covers Father Paolo Benanti's speech at the Pomilio Summer School, where he discussed the ethical challenges posed by the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Father Benanti, a renowned scholar in the fields of ethics, theology, and technology, is recognized for his work on the intersection of humanity and AI. His lecture focused on the moral implications of AI and the responsibilities of both developers and users in ensuring that these technologies serve society in a fair and ethical manner.

Father Benanti began by outlining the growing influence of AI in everyday life, from healthcare and education to finance and entertainment. He emphasized that while AI has the potential to significantly improve various aspects of human life, it also poses serious ethical challenges, especially in terms of privacy, bias, and accountability. One of his key points was the need for AI systems to be designed with human dignity at their core, ensuring that they do not perpetuate discrimination or exacerbate social inequalities.

The lecture also touched on the importance of transparency in AI decision-making processes. Father Benanti argued that AI systems should be developed in a way that allows users to understand how decisions are made, particularly in critical areas like healthcare and law enforcement. He highlighted the potential dangers of "black box" AI systems, where decision-making processes are opaque and difficult to scrutinize, leading to possible abuses or errors that could have serious consequences for individuals.

Father Benanti also discussed the concept of "algorithmic responsibility," stressing that both developers and users of AI technologies must be held accountable for the outcomes of these systems. He called for a greater emphasis on ethical training for AI developers, as well as legal frameworks that ensure accountability in cases where AI causes harm. This is particularly important in sectors like autonomous driving, where AI systems are making life-or-death decisions.