Congist’24 Social Sciences and Artificial Intelligence: Theory and Practice

The Ethical Minefield: AI-Generated Weapons in Warfare

19 Ara 2024 15:00

30dk

D328 (Istanbul University Faculty of Letters)

Oral Presentation Interdisciplinary Approaches Session 3.5 (Day 2)

Konuşmacılar

Ayşe Akpınar (Marmara University)

Açıklama

The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for warfare raises critical ethical concerns. This paper explores the ethical boundaries of AI-generated weapons, particularly those capable of autonomous decision-making and target selection. The discussion centres on the potential for unintended harm due to algorithmic errors, the erosion of human accountability in warfare, and the broader implications for the future of armed conflict. The paper examines arguments for and against AI weapons, highlighting the potential benefits of increased precision and reduced soldier casualties. The paper inquires several questions such as who is responsible for civilian casualties or unintended consequences caused by autonomous weapons, whether AI can replicate the complex moral judgments required in the battlefield, distinguishing combatants from civilians and adhering to the principles of proportionality and distinction or not and if widespread adoption of AI weapons will lead to a destabilizing arms race, lowering the threshold for conflict escalation. The method used in the process of writing this article is more critical and analytical rather than persuasive as the main aim of the article is to present the pros and cons of AI-generated weapon use in warfare within the ethical framework. In addition, another issue that needs to be considered is that countries are competing with each other in the production of AI weapons. In this case, another question could be posed whether the world peace is at stake or not. Without a doubt, it should be emphasized that there needs the paramount importance of upholding international law and the principles of jus in bello (laws of war) when it comes to the use of AI-generated weapons. The conclusion underscores the urgent need for international dialogue and collaboration to establish clear ethical guidelines and regulations governing the development and deployment of AI weapons in warfare.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, ethics, warfare, weapons, just war

Institution / Affiliation / Kurum

Istanbul Technical University

Sunum Materyalleri

The Ethical Minefield AI generated weapons in Warfare_Ayşe Akpınar.docx