Alexander – great that you are thinking about it. I saw at least some part of the series you referred to – countering the Social Dilemma thesis. In fact, there are many such pro-and-con arguments. And one should realize that both the benefits and concerns are real – not only in social media – but in many AIPPS activities. Some of it came into the focus of my AI article. The problem is that if someone or some entities surreptitiously opt to use things (even things are meant to be good) for malicious purposes – there are no strong mechanism to stop them.
There are some good news I have recently heard that are coming in 2022: (1) Meta-Facebook has disengaged with some contractors providing them surveillance services; (2) USA decided to stop selling some software that are being used for malicious purposes; (3) and countries are coming together to regulate AI activities in some fashion – to prevent them from going rogue or being used for malicious purposes. Some countries have been implementing such regulations individually – but AIPPS problems and concerns are global, therefore all should come together to address them.
Of course, one has to see how such initiatives are really implemented, work and bear fruit.
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Dilip
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Dr. Dilip Barua, Ph.D, P.Eng, M. ASCE
Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-26-2021 12:39 PM
From: Dilip Barua
Subject: AI and Engineering Ethics
An interesting topic that deserves everyone's attention. It is because, AI – in terms of AIPPS (AI-Powered Products and Services) are present in whatever we do and use – and it's going to be more overwhelming in time to come. By default, engineers (not civil engineers per se) are part of this extraordinary development together with our colleagues in the computational science. There were some discussions on it in the Collaborate topic: Advancement of AI in collaboration with Autonomous Vehicles – Rethinking our Traditional Traffic Infrastructure (Horizontal/Subsurface Infrastructure & Transportation).
But serious questions have been emerging across the board on different ethical aspects on AIPPS. The 2020 Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma has amazing portrayals and discussions on it. I have tried to address some of it by asking 9 questions in my piece: Artificial Intelligence – the Tool of No Limit with discussions on Ethics, Morals and Laws. AI and Civil Engineering – also came into focus – highlighting how civil engineering profession – in terms of tools and models that we use – are getting facelift and transformation. Of course, this transformation has its own implications on Ethics and Morals.
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Dilip
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ORCID ID
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Dr. Dilip Barua, Ph.D, P.Eng, M. ASCE
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Original Message:
Sent: 05-27-2021 06:31 AM
From: William Kelly
Subject: AI and Engineering Ethics
AI is becoming integral to design of systems in all engineering fields. This raises new ethical issues for engineers. What are some ways this is being and can be addressed in teaching design and in engineering programs in general?
See for a start
AI & Ethics - Nordic Engineers
https://nordicengineers.org/artificial-intelligence/
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William Kelly Ph.D., P.E., ENV SP, F.ASCE
MR
St Michaels MD
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