From energy use to artistic integrity, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a key topic in academia. Associate Professor of Anthropology Katherine Chiou is leading a seminar titled “Tackling Tomorrow: Rivalry Responsibility, and the Rise of Artificial Intelligence” as part of a project funded by a grant from the Office for Research & Economic Development. This grant allows Chiou’s class to engage in an “AI Ethics Iron Bowl” competition with a partner class at Auburn University.
“It comes from my love of using student competition formats to get students really invested in doing things,” Chiou said. She emphasizes that the competitive aspect can foster engagement, noting, “I think it’s always fun to go for titles, go for glory, go for real, tangible things.” The AI Ethics Iron Bowl draws inspiration from the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl, designed to teach students ethical reasoning through case studies and discussions. Students exchange various claims and theories aiming to deepen ethical discussions evaluated by a panel of judges.
Chiou’s students have expressed a range of concerns regarding the ethical implications of AI. Some, like sophomore Henry Gillam, who studies creative media, highlight the economic and ethical dilemmas posed by AI’s potential to replace human jobs. “AI is going to get more and more prevalent throughout every year,” Gillam stated. He believes discussing these issues now is crucial: “If we can discuss the ethical use of AI now while we’re still in college, then it’d be a great way to tone down the use of AI in people’s lives.”
Chiou has found that her students bring a more critical perspective than many faculty anticipate. Contrary to the belief that students prefer to rely on AI to avoid hard work, Chiou’s students have shown a nuanced understanding of the ethical landscape. “I think it’s really great to foster this kind of discussion,” said junior Ainslee Monroe, who is studying physics and philosophy. “Especially because it is such a new and such a polarizing topic, so I think it’s really great that we get to have this discussion, and hopefully impart some responsibility upon people.”
These multifaceted concerns become evident through open dialogue facilitated by the ethics bowl framework, allowing students to engage deeply with the material. As they prepare for their upcoming competition against Auburn’s Honors College, they will explore the moral implications of AI throughout the semester.
“It’s unclear what is coming ahead,” Chiou remarked, noting the current geopolitical climate. “So I think in the midst of that, one way to not feel so isolated and alone and unsure what to do is to connect and to build communities. And so hopefully, through this type of mechanism, we can do something similar.”
The discussions in Chiou’s seminar reflect a broader trend in educational institutions, where ethical considerations of AI are gaining prominence. As AI technologies continue to evolve swiftly, the relevance of such discussions will likely grow, nurturing a generation prepared to tackle ethical dilemmas in various fields. The AI Ethics Iron Bowl not only aims to foster a competitive spirit but also encourages students to think critically about the moral challenges posed by AI in their future careers.
For more information on AI’s implications in various sectors, visit OpenAI, IBM, and Microsoft.
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