Can We Teach A.I. to be Christian? (Part 1) | Sam Tideman
Jan 16, 2024
auto_awesome
Sam Tideman, a Harvard-trained data scientist, discusses the ethical implications of AI decision-making in life-and-death situations. They explore the possibility of teaching AI to be Christian and the need for a moral framework. The podcast also touches on biases in healthcare and the challenges of transitioning to a more secular approach. Overall, an engaging conversation about AI and its impact on society.
AI machines lack a clear moral framework in healthcare, leading to potential biases and unfair outcomes.
The decline of religious influence in healthcare highlights the need for a well-defined moral framework to address ethical challenges and avoid biases in decision-making.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Teaching AI to Be Moral in Healthcare
Moral decision-making in the healthcare field is complex and often subjective. AI machines, despite their capabilities, cannot inherently determine moral outcomes. Their training data largely determines their behavior, and if that data is biased or unfair, the AI will mimic that bias. AI models are trained to imitate previous human decisions, but they lack the ability to self-correct or adapt to new situations. AI triage systems, for example, may imitate biased decisions made by human registration staff, leading to unfair outcomes. The liability for these decisions is complex and can involve individuals like data scientists or IT managers, the hospital system, or even the CEO. The lack of a clear moral framework in healthcare further complicates the use of AI in making moral judgments.
Replacing Human Judgment with Machine Judgment in Triage
The use of AI in triage systems aims to remove biases present in human decision-making. However, if the AI is trained on biased data, it will replicate those biases. For instance, if a registration staff member holds biased views against certain demographics, the AI will reflect those biases. The lack of a defined moral framework for AI makes it susceptible to biases from its training set. In healthcare, the goal should be clear and measurable, ensuring accuracy and fairness in triage decisions. However, attempts to introduce equity can result in degrading the performance for certain groups, leading to compromised accuracy. The reliance on AI judgment in healthcare highlights the need for a consistent and articulated moral framework that is representative of the broader culture.
The Limitations of AI in Moral Decision-Making
AI machines cannot possess inherent morality or make moral decisions impartially. They imitate human behavior based on previous data, but this does not guarantee fairness or objectivity. Humans have a greater capacity to adapt and self-correct based on changing situations and ethical considerations. AI lacks the ability to update its decision-making framework without external human intervention. Failing to acknowledge the limitations of AI in moral decision-making can lead to unrealistic expectations and potential biases.
The Role of Religion in Moral Frameworks
The decline of religious influence in healthcare has left a void in the broader moral framework. Many hospitals were founded by religious organizations with the aim of instilling moral principles into their practices. As society moves toward a more secular, utilitarian perspective, there is a need for a new moral story that can guide decision-making within the healthcare system. The lack of a clear, shared moral system opens the door to alternative frameworks, such as critical theory, which may further complicate decision-making processes. Recognizing the importance of a well-defined moral framework in healthcare is crucial for addressing ethical challenges and avoiding biases.
Sam Tideman is a Harvard-trained biostatistical data scientist and the host of the Transfigured podcast/YouTube channel.
In this episode, we discuss what happens when AI is put in positions where its "decisions" have life-and-death implications (like in an emergency room or battlefield).
What ethical framework will guide it? Is it possible to teach artificial intelligence to be Christian?
To access the full unedited conversation and not wait for part 2 next week, become a supporter of this podcast on Patreon.
www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast
Become a patron on Patreon and get bonus Q&A Episodes, resources, opportunities for live discussions on Zoom, and access to our community Discord server.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
