Ethical AI Is a Lie. Virtue-Native AI Is the Answer.
The responsible AI industry in Silicon Valley has been described as a billion-dollar con. Recent revelations have exposed the industry’s shortcomings, calling for a shift from traditional ethical AI frameworks to a more nuanced approach known as virtue-native AI.
The Illusion of AI Ethics
AI ethics has become a multi-billion-dollar industry, employing thousands and generating numerous publications and conferences. Terms like alignment, fairness, and transparency dominate discussions. However, critics suggest that this industry’s primary function is to allow morally and financially compromised individuals to continue developing impactful technologies while appearing responsible.
Recent Epstein files revealed connections between AI labs and individuals associated with serious ethical violations. This raises questions about the integrity of the ethics industry, suggesting that it does not serve as a check on power but rather as a mechanism to absorb criticism.
The Flawed Assumptions of Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley approaches AI from a singular cultural perspective, assuming that ethics can be distilled into a checklist. This perspective has been criticized as overly simplistic, ignoring the complex realities of morality shaped by diverse cultural backgrounds.
A Broader Perspective on Virtue
The narrative contrasts this Silicon Valley mindset with insights gained from broader cultural experience. The understanding of virtue is not merely academic; it is shaped by lived experience. For instance, growing up in a challenging environment can instill a different understanding of morality compared to a sheltered upbringing.
It emphasizes that virtue is universal in aspiration but local in expression. AI systems must be flexible enough to accommodate these differences, or they risk perpetuating colonial approaches to technology development.
Operational Proof of Concept
In a practical application of this philosophy, a project called Angelic Intelligence Matching was introduced. This initiative aims to redirect $890 billion in annual retail returns away from landfills to families in need. It incorporates a virtue layer into its operational model, where the value of each item is assessed based on its potential to benefit individuals and communities.
The system tracks metrics like dignity preserved per decision and hope transported per mile, essentially assigning a market value to goodness. By rewarding pro-social behaviors among participants, the initiative demonstrates that ethical considerations can lead to profitable outcomes.
Conclusion
The ethical AI industry has had ample time and resources to produce meaningful frameworks but has largely failed to do so. In contrast, the Angelic Intelligence project provides a working moral operating system for machines, illustrating that compassion can enhance profitability and sustainability.
As discussions continue within the AI community, the challenge remains: how can technology evolve to incorporate a more holistic understanding of virtue that is both effective and ethical?
