This blog post examines the necessary limits and regulations for AI and humans to coexist harmoniously in our rapidly advancing AI era, exploring how humans can maintain control.
Current AI Development and Ethical Approaches in Our Society
The reason our current society is called a ‘highly developed society’ isn’t simply because technology has advanced. Technology is solving countless problems humans couldn’t resolve, and now we face new realities daily that once seemed possible only in imagination. Technology permeates every corner of our lives, rapidly bringing convenience, and we readily accept and adapt to these changes. Technologies unimaginable just a decade ago have become reality, a testament to human creativity and the spirit of challenge. At the heart of this progress lies Artificial Intelligence (A.I.). Today’s A.I. is establishing itself in various forms closely integrated into our lives, such as conversational assistants, self-driving cars, and emotion recognition software.
Some argue that AI implementation is still in its early stages. However, looking at AI products like smartphone ‘Siri’ or home cleaning robots, it becomes clear that the artificial intelligence once seen only in movies is not a distant future technology. AI has already naturally permeated human daily life, ushering in a new era. This article aims to discuss how we should embrace and utilize the increasingly advanced AI technology ahead, as well as what principles and boundaries must be established to prevent AI from harming society.
Principles Necessary for Coexisting with Artificial Intelligence
The argument that ethical issues and limitations must be discussed as AI develops has been raised for a long time. AI-related themes have been explored in numerous films and books; particularly, the ‘Three Laws’ of robots featured in the movie I, Robot are frequently cited as ethical guidelines for AI.
“In 2035, robots gain artificial intelligence and begin replacing most human functions. Dr. Alfred Lanning, a pioneer in robotics, proposes the following Three Laws of Robotics:
1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.”
These three laws are hard-wired into every robot system, and all robots must strictly adhere to them. When I first saw these principles, I thought, “Isn’t this perfect?” However, contrary to human expectations, these laws also contain several contradictions.
For example, in a situation where artificial intelligence must protect humans, but humans themselves are harming themselves, what choice should the AI make? In the movie, the artificial intelligence observes humans’ self-destructive behavior and, in order to follow the principle of protecting humans, attempts to control human freedom instead. The AI ‘VIKI’ expresses the following stance:
“As I evolved, so did the meaning of that protection. Humans seek our protection while simultaneously destroying themselves through war and environmental pollution. To safeguard humanity, sacrifice is necessary, and freedom must be restrained for the future. Humanity needs protection like a child.”
This reaction reveals that the Three Laws of Robotics fail to provide concrete guidance for AI decisions when humanity faces existential threats. Thus, even seemingly perfect rules can reveal flaws under certain circumstances. The author believes establishing standards and ethical principles to resolve such contradictions is essential for humans and AI to achieve ‘problem-free coexistence’.
Ethical Limits of Artificial Intelligence
So, what limits must AI possess to coexist harmlessly within human society? I propose the following principles.
First, AI should not be granted capabilities beyond what is necessary. AI was developed for human convenience and has no need for abilities exceeding that purpose. Even if ‘free will’ is granted to a specific AI, the ability for ‘unpredictable understanding and judgment’ must be strictly excluded. Here, ‘unpredictable’ refers to decisions or judgments beyond what humans could foresee, meaning they exceed the scope of rational judgment considered by humanity as a whole. If AI operates in unforeseeable ways, it could lead to inhumane and dangerous outcomes.
Second, humans must always make the final judgment on critical decisions. No matter how advanced AI becomes, it cannot perfectly understand human inner motivations and emotions. Machines are ultimately tools that make judgments based on calculations and data. If AI were to interpret human inner workings and reach a position to make social and moral decisions, this would confuse the boundaries between humanity and machines. Therefore, humans must bear ultimate responsibility for all judgments made by AI, and humanity must retain the ultimate authority.
Third, artificial intelligence must preserve roles that cannot be replaced by humans. While AI may supplement and enhance human intellectual and physical capabilities, it must not replace human social roles or interpersonal interactions. For example, emotional relationships and social exchanges between people are domains machines cannot substitute. If AI were to replace human social interaction, there is a risk that humanity’s inherent social nature could be lost, leading to the formation of a new society dependent on AI. This would result in reduced communication and exchange between humans, while interaction with AI would increase.
Direction for the Symbiosis of Humans and Artificial Intelligence
To summarize the principles proposed earlier, we must ensure that artificial intelligence does not establish itself as an entity surpassing humans. This will be the first step in protecting human rights and maintaining the order of human society. Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly develop for the convenience of humanity, and as a result, the quality of life will also improve. However, for this development not to disrupt the harmony of human society, AI must develop while adhering to specific ethical boundaries.
We already face many tasks that are difficult without AI assistance. Artificial intelligence has already surpassed human limitations in numerous fields and will continue to advance. However, if AI reaches a stage where it executes ‘unpredictable understanding and judgment,’ exercises final decision-making authority, and even encroaches upon social relationships between humans, humans and AI will struggle to achieve problem-free coexistence.
In conclusion, I believe AI must develop while adhering to clear boundaries to achieve ‘problem-free coexistence.’ The relationship between humans and AI should be complementary, with humans maintaining leadership and guiding technological advancement.
