The Harvard Gazette: Great promise but potential for peril

“AI is transforming nearly every aspect of our society…”

The article discusses the growing ethical concerns as artificial intelligence (AI) systems increasingly make decisions in areas such as healthcare, employment, credit, and criminal justice. Experts, including political philosopher Michael Sandel, highlight that while AI aims to reduce human bias, it often replicates and amplifies existing societal biases embedded in data and algorithms. This raises questions about the fairness and accountability of AI-driven decisions, especially when they affect individuals' lives and opportunities.

The piece also addresses the philosophical dilemma of whether AI can or should replace human judgment in complex decision-making processes. While some argue that AI can offer objective assessments, others caution that it may overlook the nuanced understanding that human judgment provides. The article underscores the importance of ethical frameworks and oversight to ensure that AI technologies serve society equitably and responsibly.

Illustration by Ben Boothman