AI Ethics: Forward-looking expert responsibility for AI development: necessary but democratically undesirable?

Abstract:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is beneficial in many respects, but also has harmful effects that constitute risks for individuals and society. Dealing with AI risks is a future-oriented endeavor that needs to be approached in a forward-looking way.

Obviously, experts on the technological aspects of AI are responsible for the quality of the technology that they develop, but to what extent are they responsible in a forward-looking sense for consequences of the technology they develop? And what would forward-looking expert responsibility entail for democracy? With AI development as the point of departure, this talk will address the dilemma that the need for expert knowledge may compromise democratic values. 

Bio:

Maria Hedlund is Associate Professor in Political Science at Lund University. Her research focuses on the relation between experts and democracy, in particular regarding emerging technologies. Previous research includes studies on ethics expertise, epigenetic responsibility, and the EU process on AI regulation.