Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Islamic Ethics

[Audio] [break]% Welcome CSCI 2304 Intelligence Systems Lecture on Artificial Intelligence, or AI, in Islamic Ethics. Today, we will explore the intersection of cutting-edge technology and age-old ethical principles. Stay tuned as we delve into this fascinating topic. [break]%.

[Audio] [break]% We will now discuss how we view AI today. Artificial Intelligence, or AI, refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. The concept of AI dates back to ancient mythology but gained scientific traction in the mid-20th century with the advent of computers. Recent trends in AI development focus on machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics, driving innovations in various sectors such as healthcare, finance, and transportation. [break]%.

[Audio] [break]% In the subsequent slides we delve into exploring AI ethics from an Islamic perspective. This is at a critical juncture in norm-setting. Rapid AI advancements present challenges in autonomy, privacy, fairness, and transparency. The prevailing ethical discourse is often Western or Eurocentric, lacking diversity. We will discuss the importance of delving into Islamic ethical traditions to develop a balanced framework that incorporates traditional ethics. [break]%.

[Audio] [break]% Now lets discuss Ethical Concerns in AI. We will try to address the key challenges of AI, including algorithm bias, the black box problem, and legal uncertainties. We will also explore major ethical concerns such as bias and discrimination in AI algorithms, privacy and surveillance issues, lack of transparency and accountability, potential job displacement, and autonomous weapons and security risks. Additionally, we will examine notable incidents that highlight these concerns, such as the COMPAS algorithm bias against black defendants, Amazon's AI recruitment tool favoring male candidates, facial recognition errors leading to misidentification of minorities, and Cambridge Analytica's misuse of data for political manipulation. [break]%.

[Audio] [break]% In today's discussion on Ethical Concerns in Artificial Intelligence, we delve into three poignant case studies. Our first case, Bias in COMPAS, reveals a troubling scenario where an AI system used within United States courts exhibited a significant bias against black defendants, raising questions about fairness and equality in legal proceedings. Moving on, we encounter Amazon's AI Recruitment Tool, a stark example of gender bias where the algorithm favored male candidates over female candidates, leading to an unfair disadvantage for women in the recruitment process. Lastly, we explore the Self-Driving Car Bias case, which highlights a disparity in detection accuracy. It was found that self-driving cars were more accurate in detecting individuals with lighter skin tones, posing serious concerns about safety and discrimination in autonomous vehicle technology. These cases underscore the pressing need to address and rectify biases within AI systems to ensure they serve society equitably and justly. [break]%.

[Audio] [break]% In Intelligent Systems we embark on a thought-provoking journey to explore the ethics of Artificial Intelligence through an Islamic lens. Our goal is to enrich the AI ethical discourse with pluralist perspectives, moving beyond the predominantly Western or Eurocentric views that currently prevail. We should start to delve into Islamic ethical traditions, seeking to address the current imbalance and introduce a rich tapestry of moral principles that have guided centuries of scholarship and practice. Our ultimate aim is to develop a Artificial Intelligence rooted in Islamic parameters. This Artificial Intelligence will serve as a beacon for ethical values and moral actions, guiding the design and regulation of AI technologies to ensure they align with these time-honored principles. [break]%.

[Audio] [break]% Now lets delve into the intricate world of Islamic Jurisprudence, focusing on the concept of Maslaha, an essential principle in Islamic legal theory that revolves around public interest and welfare. We examine two primary interpretations of Maslaha: the Welfarist or Utility-based Interpretation and the Duty-based Interpretation. The former emphasizes maximizing welfare and societal benefits, drawing parallels with Western utilitarian ethics as espoused by thinkers like Bentham and Mill. On the other side, the Duty-based Interpretation, highlighted by scholars such as Al-Buti, prioritizes obligations and intrinsic values, placing revelation above rational calculations. This approach resonates with Al-Ghazali's stance on rejecting the sacrifice of individual life for the greater good. If we can study these knowledge, it is the key to understand how Islamic scholars like Muhammad Rashid Rida have interpreted Maslaha, aligning it with broader ethical frameworks and contributing to a thriving plural world and whether this is something good or bad. [break]%.

[Audio] % In our exploration of global perspectives on AI ethics, we encounter diverse cultural viewpoints that shape our understanding and governance of artificial intelligence. From the Western Perspectives, we see a focus on transparency, justice, and fairness, with legislative measures and guidelines from organizations like IEEE and EU. This approach is often driven by deontological and utilitarian ethics, emphasizing individual rights and the greater good. Turning to the Eastern Perspectives, drawn from Confucianism and Buddhism, we find an emphasis on harmony, collective well-being, and moral cultivation. These perspectives prioritize societal impact and long-term consequences of AI, reflecting a more holistic approach. Lastly, the Islamic Perspectives are grounded in Maqāsid al-Sharī'ah, the objectives of Islamic law. Here, ethical principles such as justice, benevolence, and prevention of harm are paramount. Integration of spiritual and moral development in AI governance is also highlighted, offering a unique lens through which to view AI ethics. As we consider these varied perspectives, we gain a richer understanding of how cultural values influence the ethical frameworks within which AI operates globally. [break]%.

[Audio] % Delving into the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence, we uncover the profound insights of Islamic ethics. These principles provide a distinctive voice in the global dialogue on AI governance. Fairness in Islamic ethics is rooted in the principle of 'adl, which calls for justice as a fundamental virtue. In the AI sphere, this translates to the development of unbiased algorithms and ensuring equitable access to AI benefits for all societal segments, reflecting the intrinsic value of fairness in Islamic tradition. Privacy, or satr, holds significant importance within Islamic ethics. It advocates for the protection of individual data, ensuring that personal information is not misused or disclosed without consent. This commitment to privacy is crucial as we design AI systems that respect individual rights and maintain confidentiality. Accountability, as emphasized by mas'uliyyah in Islamic teachings, underscores the necessity for clear responsibility in AI decision-making. It promotes transparency and seeks to prevent any harm that might arise from AI misuse, aligning with the ethical imperative of responsible AI development and deployment. These ethical concepts from Islamic teachings offer a unique perspective that contributes to a more equitable, respectful, and responsible framework for AI governance. [break]%.

[Audio] [break]% AI Benchmarking involves a comprehensive process that begins with identifying core Islamic ethical values such as fairness, transparency, and human dignity. These values are crucial as they relate to AI and its impact on society. Next, we conduct value alignment, using usül al-fiqh to align AI applications with identified Islamic ethical values, ensuring adherence to principles derived from the Qur'an and Hadith. In developing the framework, we create one that balances welfarist and duty-based interpretations of maslaha, addressing both utility maximization and intrinsic human values. Finally, we implement and monitor the ethical framework in AI applications, continuously monitoring for compliance and efficacy, making adjustments as necessary. This structured approach ensures that AI not only performs optimally but also operates within the ethical boundaries set by Islamic values. [break]%.

[Audio] [break]% Lets look at a four-step process for developing Islamic AI ethics: Identify Ethical Principles: In the first step, you identify core ethical principles derived from the Quran and Sunnah. These principles will guide the evaluation of AI technologies. Apply Maqāsid: The second step involves applying the objectives (Maqāsid) of Islamic law to AI ethics. Maqāsid emphasizes preserving religion, life, intellect, progeny, and wealth. This step involves prioritizing these objectives when assessing AI. Evaluate AI Impacts: The third step entails assessing the potential impacts of AI technologies on individuals and societies. This includes considering both the benefits and harms of AI in light of the identified ethical principles. Implement Ethical Guidelines: The final step involves developing and enforcing guidelines based on the ethical principles and Maqāsid. These guidelines aim to ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly and promote human well-being. [break]%.

[Audio] [break]% Usul al-Fiqh, which translates to the principles or roots of Islamic jurisprudence, is a framework used by Muslim scholars to interpret Islamic law (Sharia) from its sources. It's a methodology that guides the derivation of legal rulings from the Qur'an and Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad). In the context of AI ethics, Usul al-Fiqh can be applied to navigate ethical uncertainties by: Utilizing primary sources like the Qur'an and Hadith to derive moral judgments. Employing reason-infused methodologies such as Qiyas (analogy) when direct textual guidance is absent, allowing scholars to draw parallels between new issues and existing teachings. Using Maslaha (public welfare) to consider the broader implications of decisions on society. These methodologies enable scholars to formulate ethical principles that address modern challenges posed by AI technologies. The goal is to ensure that these technologies are developed and used in ways that align with Islamic ethical values and contribute positively to societal welfare. This approach seeks a balance between embracing technological advancements and adhering to religious principles. [break]%.

[Audio] [break]% We can propose a hybrid ethical framework that combines two approaches to ethical decision-making: duty-based and welfare-based. The duty-based approach prioritizes fundamental values like fairness and human dignity, even if it means sacrificing some potential benefits. The welfare-based approach, on the other hand, emphasizes maximizing societal well-being and using AI technologies to improve the public good. This hybrid framework aims to find a balance between these two approaches, ensuring that AI development considers both ethical principles and societal benefits. [break]%.

[Audio] [break]% There should be initiatives to incorporate Islamic virtue-based ethics into a framework for AI governance. Islamic virtue ethics emphasizes cultivating virtuous individuals and communities to promote moral and spiritual excellence. These virtues, such as honesty, trustworthiness, justice, compassion, and wisdom, guide human behavior and decision-making. In the context of AI governance, Islamic virtue ethics proposes that AI development and deployment should be guided by these core values. This means considering not just the technical capabilities and functionalities of AI, but also its potential impact on society and how it aligns with Islamic principles. For example, an AI system designed for facial recognition should be evaluated not just on its accuracy, but also on its potential for privacy violations and societal discrimination. By applying Islamic virtue ethics to AI governance, we can strive to develop AI technologies that are not only beneficial but also ethical and contribute to a just and flourishing society. [break]%.

[Audio] [break]% As the field of Artificial Intelligence continues its rapid growth, there's a crucial need to ensure its development and application are guided by ethical principles. Here's where Islamic ethics can play a significant role in shaping the future of AI. One of the major challenges in AI development is navigating ethical uncertainties. Islamic principles emphasize values like fairness, privacy, and human dignity. Integrating these values into AI norm-setting can help create systems that treat everyone justly, respect individual privacy, and uphold human worth. A key concept in Islamic jurisprudence is Maslaha, which essentially translates to "public good." This concept emphasizes achieving positive outcomes for society. When applied to AI, Maslaha can provide a framework for balancing the potential benefits of AI with fulfilling our ethical duties. Imagine an AI system designed to automate hiring decisions. Maslaha would encourage the system to be fair and unbiased, ensuring equal opportunity for everyone, not just maximizing efficiency. However, Islamic ethics encompasses diverse interpretations. Some scholars view it from a welfarist perspective, focusing on maximizing overall happiness and minimizing harm. In this view, AI systems that generate the greatest good for society are considered ethical. For example, an AI that optimizes resource allocation to combat poverty might be deemed ethical under this interpretation. Others see Islamic ethics as a hybrid system, combining both duty-based and welfarist approaches. This perspective prioritizes core principles like fairness and transparency, while also considering the ultimate good achieved. Following this approach, the hiring AI from before would be designed to be fair and unbiased first and foremost, then its overall efficiency in the hiring process would be considered. This highlights the need for frameworks that acknowledge these different interpretations. By fostering a more nuanced understanding, we can develop AI governance that reflects the full spectrum of Islamic ethical thought. Of course, integrating Islamic ethics into AI development is a nascent field. More research is needed to explore the practical application of these principles in AI design and governance. This includes collaboration between ethicists, AI developers, and Islamic scholars to ensure a future where AI serves humanity in a responsible and ethical manner. Ultimately, the goal is to create a future where AI advancements are guided by ethical principles that resonate with diverse cultures and societies. Islamic ethics, with its rich framework of values and emphasis on public good, offers valuable insights to inform the development of universal ethical frameworks for AI. By integrating these diverse perspectives, we can ensure that AI serves as a force for positive change in the world. [break]%.

[Audio] [break]% Leading the Way, Garden of Knowledge and Virtue. Thank You. [break]%.