Can AI be the new god? Quarch discusses ethical questions!

Can AI be the new god? Quarch discusses ethical questions!

In today's edition of SWR Aktuell, best-selling author and philosopher Christoph Quarch provides critical impulses on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in society in his weekly “Breakfast Quarch”. On Friday morning, moderator Bernhard Seiler led the conversation with Quarch, in which the provocative question was discussed as to whether AI could potentially become a replacement for God for some people. These considerations are particularly relevant against the background of growing technological developments and their influence on individual and collective ethics.

Quarch emphasizes the importance of ethical principles that should be taken into account when developing artificial intelligence. This is directly related to UNESCO’s recent recommendations on the ethical use of AI. These recommendations, which were two years in the making, provide an international legal basis that respects and promotes human rights and fundamental freedoms. The development process included intergovernmental negotiations and the involvement of experts and regional stakeholders, which underlines the universal relevance of the topic.

The ethical foundations of AI

UNESCO has defined clear values ​​and ethical principles that include privacy, transparency, explainability and non-discrimination. The aim is to make the digital transformation promote human rights and support the UN’s sustainable development goals. In this context, the recommendation calls for comprehensive policy design in eleven policy areas, including the environment, education, communication, health and culture. UNESCO reports that the connection between environmental protection and AI is also addressed, with the resource-saving use of AI systems being of great importance.

Particularly noteworthy is the precautionary principle, which states that if there is a reasonable possibility of negative consequences, the use of certain AI systems should not be pursued further. This highlights the need to assess not only the benefits but also the risks of AI. Addressing discrimination through AI and promoting diversity in the technology industry are also key points addressed in the UNESCO recommendation.

Awareness of the ethical use of AI

Together with these ethical considerations, the German UNESCO Commission calls for the implementation of the recommendation in Germany in order to promote information, advice and specialist events on the ethical use of AI in art and culture. The dialogue about artificial intelligence must also be conducted critically in order to do justice to the challenges it brings with it. Quarch's reflections contribute to this necessary dialogue and challenge the audience to consider the possible implications of AI, whether as a technological innovation or as a philosophical question.

The combination of Quarch's considerations and UNESCO's international standards makes it clear that the ethical use of artificial intelligence is not only a technical but also a social responsibility. The question of whether AI could become a replacement for God opens up a deep reflection on the place of humans in the age of machines.