Ezgi Akgün, 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?
The interdisciplinary nature of the MoralPLai project resonated deeply with me. I find the approach of combining AI ethics with the arts to be incredibly unique and exciting. My academic background in both technology and management has inspired me to explore various fields where I can apply my knowledge, making the MoralPLai project a perfect fit for utilizing my degree in diverse contexts. I also believe this project has the potential to spark meaningful conversations around AI, a tool we engage with daily while offering me the opportunity to bridge my interests and expand my perspective. Given all of this, I felt truly inspired to become a part of the team.
What are your thoughts on combining research with the arts?
I believe it’s a brilliant idea and something I’m genuinely excited to be part of. A lot of valuable research is happening, but the general public isn’t exactly browsing Google Scholar or reading academic papers with their morning coffee. This lack of accessibility is especially concerning when it comes to research that everyone should understand, such as the influence of AI, which has quickly become an everyday tool for many tasks in our lives. Almost everyone uses it, but few consider the consequences and broader implications thoroughly explored in academic fields. Using the arts as a medium creates an opportunity to reach people in ways that academic papers simply can’t. It sparks curiosity and presents important issues in a more engaging and relatable format, which is why I’m so excited to see the impact of the MoralPLai theater performance.
How comfortable would you feel taking guidance from AI on a personal issue?
Honestly, it depends on the issue. While I haven’t taken direct advice from AI on personal matters, I do use AI to support my research when making decisions. Sometimes, I don’t even fact-check the AI’s responses, so in a way, I’m already letting it guide me indirectly. However, for more personal matters, I would be hesitant to rely solely on AI. I view it as a tool to supplement my decision-making process rather than something I would trust completely for guidance.
Would you consider relying on AI for advice in a moral dilemma?
At this point in our project, I’d like to say no. I can’t imagine turning to AI for advice in a moral dilemma. For those situations, I rely on people -friends and family- who understand me deeply and know how I feel, even when I can’t express it well. They understand my values, emotions, and personal context, which AI simply cannot grasp. Additionally, research shows that AI responses often depend on how questions are phrased, making them unreliable. In real-life situations, how you phrase a question is just one factor that reflects your feelings about it. There are also tone, body language, and other non-verbal cues that those close to me can detect and understand to help me navigate these dilemmas.
What role do you think creativity plays in exploring complex ethical questions around AI?
I think creativity plays a crucial role in exploring complex ethical questions around AI. It’s the key to identifying the less obvious aspects of AI that need scrutiny. By applying creative thinking, we can uncover new dimensions to evaluate AI on, which in turn helps guide its improvement. Ethical dilemmas are often identified and articulated through creative thinking. If we cannot think outside the box, we cannot expect AI and large language models to consider multiple aspects or account for all the nuances involved.
Explore the MoralPLai Project webpage to learn more!
