Selin Aktaş student at the TUM School of Management, is among the seven student assistants contributing to the successful implementation of the MoralPLai Project. Read her reflections on key project topics and learn more about her motivation to join the team.
What inspired you to join the MoralPLai project?
I found the MoralPLai project to be a creative and original idea. The rise of AI tools has been more rapid than ever, with increasing daily usage and a wider range of applications. As AI becomes a go-to solution, it is sometimes overlooked how it can lack the human-like qualities necessary for certain solutions. I think the project highlights an important idea by creating a platform to observe the scope of AI in terms of moral behavior.
What are your thoughts on combining research with the arts?
I think it is a powerful tool for communicating and fostering understanding across disciplines. The arts have a unique ability to connect with people by tapping into their emotions, experiences, feelings and values. They create a pathway for creative expression that makes the message more relatable, thereby broadening its audience. Presenting research through the arts has the power to transform complex ideas into more engaging and accessible topics for the audience.
How comfortable would you feel taking guidance from AI on a personal issue?
It could help me see things from other perspectives, but I wouldn’t take it so far as to seek guidance in making a decision. From an emotional and personal standpoint, it might be challenging for me to recognize certain aspects of the subject that require more logic. At that point, I could trust the AI to highlight what I might be missing. However, I wouldn’t rely on it for further guidance in making a decision, as I need to consider my values and feelings. I don’t believe the AI could truly empathize with what matters to me when making a personal decision.
Would you consider relying on AI for advice in a moral dilemma?
I believe in the power of AI to provide many perspectives and predict scenarios, but when it comes to issues involving emotional intelligence, I wouldn’t find AI to be sufficient. It can lack the ability to distinguish right from wrong in the way human judgment does, through emotions and empathy. However, I think the hardest part of making decisions in a moral dilemma is being overly emotional. A moral dilemma shouldn’t rely too heavily on personal feelings and preferences, and in such cases, the AI tool can be useful, despite its limitations
What role do you think creativity plays in exploring complex ethical questions around AI?
Creativity is about seeing or thinking from new perspectives. It enables the envisioning of new scenarios and solutions. In the context of ethical complications, pushing the limitations of AI-based decision-making can reveal its shortcomings. For example, identifying the biases and value systems within an AI algorithm can be useful when refining its decision-making guidance. This creative exploration is essential for addressing issues with AI tools and making them more accountable for ethical questions. By fostering creative thinking, further development of AI becomes possible in a more human and moral context.
Explore the MoralPLai Project webpage to learn more!
