Does the ability of AI to present choices to us that it thinks we will like or want change our sense of free will?
What is the relationship between the question in #1 and the text in #2 ?
Is the job being done by AI any different from the ways that other influencers informed us, marketed and advertised to us, and sought to shape our tastes, in previous eras?
MISHNA: With regard to an ox that is forewarned with regard to its own species, if the ox gores the type of animal or person with regard to which it is forewarned, its owner pays the full cost of the damage, and if it gores an animal or person with regard to which it is not forewarned, he pays half the cost of the damage.
Who? in what situations? why? is a person responsible for a goring ox?
Can a machine be ‘programmed’ to be ethical?
Self-Driving Car Conundrum
Say you’re behind a truck and something large and heavy falls off of it. You’re in an autonomous vehicle, which is programmed to be so responsive that it can brake in time to avoid the object. The catch is that there's a human-driven vehicle tailgating you.
If your self-driving car stops suddenly, the human-driven car will likely rear end you. But if the self-driving car breaks slowly, so the person can stop too, you’re at greater risk of hitting the object.
What is the self-driving car likely to do?
Who is responsible for the decision the car makes?
1. use your phones and go to: www.moralmachine.mit.net
2. Click on "start judging"
Reish Lakish quotes, "This is the ritual (lit. Torah) for a leper..." this is in reference to the law (lit. Torah) for one who speaks Lashon Harah And Reish Lakish asks, "Where do we learn this?" "If the serpent bites before it is charmed, the charmer has no advantage." ...Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that indulge it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Proverbs 18:21)
Do the warnings from Proverbs apply to AI such as ChatGPT?
The connection between artificial intelligence (AI) and Judaism can be explored from various angles, including ethical, philosophical, and theological perspectives. Here are a few points of connection to consider:
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Ethical Concerns: Judaism, like many other religious and philosophical traditions, emphasizes ethical considerations in human actions. As AI technologies advance, questions arise about how these technologies should be developed and used in alignment with ethical principles. Issues such as AI bias, job displacement, privacy, and the potential for AI to reinforce existing inequalities are all topics that intersect with Jewish ethical teachings about justice, fairness, and compassion.
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Creation and God's Image: In Judaism, humans are often seen as beings created in the image of God. This concept raises questions about whether AI, as a creation of humans, could ever possess attributes that resemble human consciousness or intelligence. Debates might arise around whether AI has the potential to reflect divine attributes or if there are limitations to human creation.
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Impact on Work and Livelihood: Jewish teachings emphasize the importance of work and the dignity of labor. The advent of AI and automation could disrupt traditional work structures, leading to discussions about how society should respond to the potential loss of jobs, the need for retraining, and ensuring the well-being of individuals in a changing job market.
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Moral Agency of AI: The question of whether AI systems can have moral agency is relevant to Judaism's focus on human responsibility for ethical choices. While AI currently lacks true consciousness and moral awareness, the decisions made by AI can have significant ethical implications. This prompts discussions about accountability, liability, and the role of humans in guiding AI decisions.
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Learning and Wisdom: Learning and seeking wisdom are important values within Judaism. AI technologies, especially those related to machine learning, rely on large amounts of data to improve their performance. This parallels the Jewish emphasis on the accumulation of knowledge and the importance of education.
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Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World): Tikkun Olam is a central concept in Judaism that refers to the responsibility of humans to engage in acts of social justice and repairing the world. Discussions about the ethical use of AI, including addressing biases, ensuring equitable access, and using AI for positive social impact, align with the values of Tikkun Olam.
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Halacha (Jewish Law): As AI becomes more integrated into various aspects of society, questions may arise about how traditional Jewish laws and customs intersect with these technologies. For instance, discussions could emerge about using AI in areas such as kosher certification, Sabbath observance, and other religious practices.
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Philosophical Reflection: Jewish philosophy has a rich tradition of exploring fundamental questions about the nature of existence, consciousness, and the relationship between humanity and the divine. As AI advances, it could prompt philosophical inquiries about the nature of intelligence, consciousness, and the potential limits of human understanding.
It's important to note that the relationship between AI and Judaism is multifaceted and can vary based on individual beliefs, interpretations, and cultural contexts. As AI technologies continue to evolve, the intersection with religious and ethical frameworks will likely continue to be a topic of exploration and discussion.
(Composed by chatGPT)
Meddling in the Forces of Nature
Sefer HaChinuch[6] explains that G-d created every aspect of this world with a certain nature so that it can function in the way that is best for the world. He commanded that every element of nature fulfill the purpose for which it was made.
G-d also created spiritual (angelic) forces that energize every aspect of this world and ensure that they function in the proper way. If any of these spiritual forces are mixed, the physical elements that they energize will be altered. Mankind is forbidden from mixing these forces in certain ways (i.e., through magic) as G-d knows that the ultimate effect on the world from this sort of mixture, is negative.
Has technology impacted our sense of self?