The Complex Nature of AI

Artificial intelligence is often misunderstood as a single technology, but it is a collection of various tools and algorithms with varying degrees of effectiveness. The hype surrounding AI frequently obscures its limitations, leading to the misapplication of these technologies in critical areas like criminal justice and healthcare. For example, predictive algorithms may determine who is deemed too risky for release before trial, which raises ethical concerns about their reliability and fairness. This misunderstanding can result in serious consequences if AI is employed where it lacks the capability to make morally justified decisions.