Decoding an AI Ethicist

Abstract: This diploma thesis explores the emerging role of AI ethicists in the context of rapidly evolving AI applications. The focus is on the challenges they face, such as navigating the complexities of unbiased ethical models and the risks associated with AI systems deviating from expected behaviors. The thesis examines the responsibilities of an AI ethicist, the industries in which they may work, and the methodologies they should use in their ethical decision-making. Additionally, it distinguishes the role of an AI ethicist from that of a traditional ethicist, offering a comprehensive understanding of the demands and risks involved in this profession.

Introduction: The development of AI technologies has accelerated dramatically, yet many innovations never reach widespread adoption, while others are prematurely discontinued. A major concern in AI development is the creation of ethical models free from bias, a challenge that often leads to unpredictable outcomes with significant social and economic implications. As a result, AI ethicists will play a crucial role in advising companies on how to avoid these risks. However, given the complexity of AI systems, the burden of responsibility often falls on the ethicist when bias arises. This thesis delves into the role of AI ethicists, examining their challenges, responsibilities, and the ethical dilemmas they face.

Objectives:

• Define the role of an AI ethicist, outlining the faculties and qualifications required for the position.
• Analyze the key responsibilities of an AI ethicist in AI system development and deployment.
• Explore the industries and sectors where AI ethicists can be hired and their potential impact in these areas.
• Investigate the methodologies AI ethicists should use to make ethical judgments on AI systems.
• Differentiate between the roles of a traditional ethicist and an AI ethicist, focusing on the unique challenges faced by the latter.

Methodology: The methodology encompasses the following steps:

• Literature review: Conduct a thorough review of existing literature on AI ethics, bias in AI models, and the role of ethicists in technology.
• Role definition: Develop a clear definition of the qualifications, faculties, and responsibilities of an AI ethicist based on industry standards and expert opinion.
• Sector analysis: Investigate the sectors where AI ethicists are most in demand, including technology, healthcare, finance, and government, and the specific ethical challenges these industries face.
• Methodological framework: Propose a framework for ethical decision-making, outlining methodologies that AI ethicists should follow to ensure unbiased and ethical AI development.
• Comparative analysis: Compare the responsibilities and challenges of a traditional ethicist with those of an AI ethicist, highlighting the unique difficulties in the AI domain.

Expected Contributions:

• A comprehensive definition of the role and responsibilities of an AI ethicist, including the faculties and skills required to navigate the complexities of AI ethics.
• Insight into the industries where AI ethicists can be employed and the specific ethical challenges they may encounter in each sector.
• A proposed methodological framework for ethical decision-making that can guide AI ethicists in their work.
• Clarification of the differences between traditional ethicists and AI ethicists, offering a deeper understanding of the unique challenges in AI ethics.

Conclusion: This thesis seeks to provide a detailed exploration of the role of AI ethicists in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. By examining the qualifications, responsibilities, and challenges of AI ethicists, the research aims to shed light on the critical role they play in mitigating risks associated with AI system development. The thesis also clarifies the distinct challenges that differentiate AI ethicists from traditional ethicists, contributing to the broader discourse on the ethical development and deployment of AI technologies.