Thesis Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly advanced in recent years, leading to the widespread deployment of autonomous systems in various sectors. However, as AI becomes increasingly autonomous, questions regarding moral responsibility and ethical implications have emerged. This thesis delves into the complex ethical considerations surrounding AI systems and their impact on moral responsibility. The study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the ethical challenges posed by autonomous AI systems and to explore the extent of moral responsibility that can be attributed to these systems and their creators. The thesis begins by introducing the concept of AI and its evolution, highlighting the transformative impact of AI technologies on society. It then delves into the background of the study, providing a detailed overview of the development of AI systems and the ethical debates surrounding their use. The problem statement emphasizes the need to address the ethical implications of autonomous AI systems and the challenges they pose to traditional notions of moral responsibility. The objectives of the study are to critically examine the ethical considerations related to AI systems, identify key issues surrounding moral responsibility in autonomous systems, and propose ethical frameworks for addressing these challenges. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, including the rapidly evolving nature of AI technology and the inherent complexities of ethical decision-making in autonomous systems. The scope of the study encompasses a broad range of ethical theories and perspectives, drawing on insights from philosophy, computer science, and other relevant disciplines. The significance of the study lies in its potential to inform policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the general public about the ethical implications of AI technologies and to stimulate further research on this pressing issue. The structure of the thesis is outlined, highlighting the organization of the chapters and the flow of the research. Definitions of key terms are provided to clarify the terminology used throughout the study. In the literature review chapter, ten key themes related to the ethics of AI and moral responsibility are examined, including transparency, accountability, bias, privacy, and the impact on human agency. Drawing on existing research and scholarly works, the chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge in this field. The research methodology chapter details the approach taken to investigate the ethical implications of autonomous AI systems, including the research design, data collection methods, and ethical considerations. The chapter also discusses the challenges encountered during the research process and the strategies employed to address them. In the discussion of findings chapter, the results of the study are presented and analyzed, focusing on the key ethical challenges identified and the implications for moral responsibility in autonomous systems. The chapter also explores potential solutions and recommendations for addressing these challenges. Finally, the conclusion and summary chapter provide a comprehensive overview of the key findings and insights from the study. The implications of the research are discussed, and recommendations for future research and policy development in this area are proposed. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the ongoing discourse on the ethics of AI and moral responsibility by offering a nuanced analysis of the ethical challenges posed by autonomous systems. By examining the complex interplay between technology, ethics, and society, the study aims to deepen our understanding of the ethical implications of AI technologies and to foster informed dialogue on these critical issues.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Examining Moral Responsibility in Autonomous Systems" delves into the complex ethical considerations arising from the increasing integration of AI technologies into various aspects of society. As AI systems become more autonomous and sophisticated, questions regarding moral responsibility and accountability become paramount. This research aims to explore and analyze the ethical implications of AI in decision-making processes, particularly in contexts where autonomous systems have the power to make consequential choices. The study will begin by providing an in-depth examination of the background of AI technology, tracing its evolution and highlighting key advancements that have led to the current state of AI capabilities. This background will serve as a foundation for understanding the ethical challenges that arise when autonomous systems are endowed with decision-making authority. One of the central issues to be addressed in this research is the problem of assigning moral responsibility in cases where AI systems make decisions that have ethical implications. Traditional ethical frameworks and theories will be explored to assess their applicability and relevance in the context of AI ethics. The research will also investigate the role of human oversight and accountability mechanisms in ensuring ethical AI governance. The objectives of the study include analyzing case studies of AI applications in various domains, such as healthcare, finance, and autonomous vehicles, to identify ethical dilemmas and challenges. By examining real-world examples, the research aims to highlight the need for robust ethical frameworks and guidelines to govern AI development and deployment. The limitations of the study will be acknowledged, including the inherent complexity of AI systems and the evolving nature of AI technologies. The scope of the research will focus on theoretical analysis and ethical considerations, rather than technical aspects of AI development. The significance of the study lies in its contribution to the ongoing discourse on AI ethics and moral responsibility. By critically examining the ethical implications of autonomous systems, the research seeks to raise awareness of the ethical challenges posed by AI technologies and stimulate dialogue on responsible AI governance. The structure of the thesis will be organized into several chapters, including an introduction, literature review, research methodology, discussion of findings, and conclusion. Each chapter will be meticulously crafted to provide a comprehensive analysis of the ethical dimensions of AI technology and its implications for moral responsibility. In conclusion, this research project will offer valuable insights into the ethical considerations surrounding AI technologies and their impact on society. By exploring the concept of moral responsibility in the context of autonomous systems, the study aims to contribute to the development of ethical guidelines and frameworks for ensuring responsible AI development and deployment.