introduction
Within the framework of its mission in social and human sciences, UNESCO is leading ethical reflections on the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI). In 2021, a member state adopted by consensus the recommendations on the ethics of artificial intelligence, the first global normative tool in the field. This document establishes principles and values to ensure that AI contributes to sustainable development, social justice, equity and human rights.
In this regard, we present an interview Dr. Carlos Garcia Torres He holds a bachelor's degree in social, political and economic sciences, a law degree, and a doctorate in law from Roha National University. He has graduate studies in gender, equity and sustainable development and has received a doctorate in law and social sciences with honors (and praise) from the National University of Distance Education (UNED, Spain). His doctoral dissertation was entitled Tolerance and Liberalism in Ecuadorian Constitutional History.
How should artificial intelligence be understood as a cultural instrument?
Let's start by reflecting AI as a cultural instrument. In other words, they are artificial products created through the collection and processing of objects generated by human culture. From this perspective, I understand that this is a fundamentally different element from previous technical tools used by humanity, and that its use is legal and necessary, but requires a careful ethical approach.
Another factor to consider when developing this ethical perception is with the social, political and economic implications of science and the fact that it is not truly neutral. Artificial intelligence always has a developmental history that is associated with a very specific cultural and financial environment. Today, its core revolves around the global interests of certain Silicon Valley-based companies and those companies. Added to this is a global geopolitical landscape that includes two major players: China and the European Union.
Finally, the non-critical factor is the environmental impact of the technological infrastructure needed for AI to function, as reflected in its impact on energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and water use.
What aspects of justice should be considered in the use of artificial intelligence?
Social, political, economic and environmental aspects implied by the frequent and indiscriminate use of any application, model or system in which AI is involved must be considered. First, we need to consider the data economy and existing national regulations that govern the use of third-party data. It is important to consider the cost of text uploaded to the language model and the precautions that must be exercised when uploading text protected under third-party intellectual property rights.
Second, as responsible citizens, we must look back at the future benefits that AI can bring to scientific research and to our country's economic development. Our role must strive to ensure that we are not only consumers, but also facilitators of innovative and imaginative applications, and ultimately developers of new applications in their respective fields of research.
What ontological challenges does AI pose regarding humanity?
A distinctive feature of large-scale language models and other AI technologies is their ability to convincingly mimic human qualities, including artistic expression. This ability raises the persuasive illusion of interacting with entities who appear to be blessed with a distinct dignity unique to humans. This presents a problem of remembering what is truly human.
Several studies have shown that increasing daily use and dependence of various large-scale language models limits intellectual potential. There are two liabilities regarding the use of AI. It not only affects individuals, but also future generations.
What should we take into consideration when it comes to reliability and rationality of AI systems?
One of the most widely promoted claims by AI system developers is the idea that “prompts” allow you to always get the information you need, under the assumption that this information is always correct. This assertion is only partially true as large language models document error rates of up to 60%.
Therefore, it is important to act as a content review await when dealing with output generated by AI. Only experts in each field can detect errors and biases.
This is linked to the general perception of large-scale language models and rationality. We must avoid treating AI responses as the ultimate model of scientific and social rationality.
The use of materials obtained from large-scale language models must be subject to continuous scrutiny and refinement.
How should we approach the issue of writing and belonging with AI-generated text?
In general, a transparent way to create text is to acknowledge the use of AI and explain the generation process adopted. This underscores the importance of transparency, particularly in recognizing education, outreach, or research texts created with AI.
It is important to remember that what large-scale language models offer us is generally ideas and resources of other authors. For this reason, proms distinguish between their work and content generated by large-scale language models. It should be noted that some models and systems already use watermarks in the generated text, so AI can be easily identified as being generated.
What environmental impact does the use of artificial intelligence have?
It is necessary to consider the enormous amount of energy and water resources required by AI models and systems pose a potential environmental threat. Therefore, their use must always be intentional and restricted, with environmental concerns in mind.
Therefore, you should always be informed of the contributions of AI models and systems to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Attribution Note: The entire content of the response belongs to Dr. Carlos Garcia Torres. The final document has been edited with support of the Artificial Intelligence Tool (Copilot). This text is published within the framework of UNESCO's approach to fostering critical thinking about the ethical use of AI.
The presentation of the terms used in this publication and the data contained herein does not imply any position on the part of UNESCO regarding the legal status of a country, territory, city or region, or its authority, or its position regarding the boundaries of its frontiers or boundaries. The ideas and opinions expressed in this work belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect UNESCO's views or commit the organization.
