The use of artificial intelligence is growing across the military, where it is becoming an essential component of the contemporary warfighter’s toolbox. While the ethics of autonomous weapons have rightly gained much attention, it is just as important to consider the ethics of human-machine interactions. Research has shown that automated systems can affect character and decision-making, aspects of human action that belong to the category of virtue ethics.
This conference will explore how military AI systems can foster virtuous action. Because of the complex nature of these problems, the conference brings together both scholars and practitioners: philosophers, theologians, military experts, policy-makers, and programmers. Interdisciplinary discussion will allow the development of new pathways for guiding the ethical use of this rapidly progressing technology.
Watch the recordings on the IHE YouTube Channel by clicking the session titles in the schedule below.
SCHEDULE
| 9-9:30 | Welcome:
Provost Aaron Dominguez Ronald Keesing, Vice President for Artificial Intelligence Paul Scherz, Associate Professor of Moral Theology/Ethics |
| 9:30 – 10:30 | Keynote: Artificial Intelligence in the Military
Paul Scharre, Vice President and Director of Studies Luis Vera, Assistant Professor of Theology |
| 10:40 – 12:30 | Panel : What Problems Does AI Present from the Standpoint of Virtue Ethics?
Colonel James Cook, Permanent Professor and Head of the Department of Philosophy Jonathan Askonas, Assistant Professor Anna Feuer, Julian Steward Chair of Social Sciences Maaike Verbruggen, Ph.D Researcher |
| 1:30 – 2:30 | Keynote:The Ethics of Military Uses of Artificial Intelligence: Sustaining Virtue, Locating Responsibility, and Calibrating Risk
Nigel Biggar, Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology Anton Barba-Kay, Associate Professor |
| 2:30 – 3:15 | Conversation: What is the role of ethics in the US Military Technology Development?
Bruce Jette Sarah Kreps, John L. Wetherill Professor |
| 3:30 – 4:45 | Panel: Integrating Ethics into Technology Design
Beverly Thompson, Senior Scientist Bartlett Russell, Program Manager Joe Chapa, Chief Responsible AI Ethics Officer |
