On Wisdom 55: Wise of the Machines (with Sina Fazelpour)
Aug 5, 2023
Sina Fazelpour, an assistant professor of philosophy and computer science at Northeastern University, explores the intersection of AI, ethics, and societal impact. They delve into the challenges of bias in algorithms and emphasize the importance of diversity in AI systems. Sina discusses how wisdom can be seen as an awareness of one’s social position and the need for humility in decision-making. The conversation highlights the potential of AI to enhance human creativity and problem-solving while cautioning against simplistic approaches to algorithmic alignment.
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AI As A Sociotechnical System
- AI must be seen as a sociotechnical system embedded in organizations and society.
- Focusing only on the algorithm hides key intervention points and social dynamics.
Resist The Single Story
- Resist the temptation of a single story and seek diverse perspectives for complex problems.
- Use multiple methods and narratives because no one approach will work across all contexts.
Make Uncertainty Incentivized
- Intellectual humility requires both exposure to diverse perspectives and incentives that allow admitting uncertainty.
- Organizational incentives often punish saying 'I don't know,' so changing incentives matters more than just teaching humility.
