Cocchiaro, M. Z., Morley, J., (July 10, 2024).
Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4891907
Abstract
Over the last decade the figure of the AI Ethicist has seen significant growth in the ICT market. However, only a few studies have taken an interest in this professional profile, and they have yet to provide a normative discussion of its expertise and skills. The goal of this article is to initiate such discussion. We argue that AI Ethicists should be experts and use a heuristic to identify them. Then, we focus on their specific kind of moral expertise, drawing on a parallel with the expertise of Ethics Consultants in clinical settings and on the bioethics literature on the topic. Finally, we highlight the differences between Health Care Ethics Consultants and AI Ethicists and derive the expertise and skills of the latter from the roles that AI Ethicists should have in an organisation.
Here are some thoughts:
The role of AI Ethicists has expanded significantly in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) market over the past decade, yet there is a lack of studies providing a normative discussion on their expertise and skills. This article aims to initiate such a discussion by arguing that AI Ethicists should be considered experts, using a heuristic to identify them. It draws parallels with Ethics Consultants in clinical settings and bioethics literature to define their specific moral expertise. The article also highlights the differences between Health Care Ethics Consultants and AI Ethicists, deriving the latter's expertise and skills from their organizational roles.
Key elements for establishing and recognizing the AI Ethicist profession include credibility, independence, and the avoidance of conflicts of interest. The article emphasizes the need for AI Ethicists to be free from conflicts of interest to avoid ethical washing and to express critical viewpoints. It suggests that AI Ethicists might face civil liability risks and could benefit from protections such as civil liability insurance.
The development of professional associations and certifications can help establish a professional identity and quality criteria, enhancing the credibility of AI Ethicists. The article concludes by addressing the discrepancy between principles for trustworthy AI and the actual capabilities of professionals navigating AI ethics, advocating for AI Ethicists to be not only facilitators but also researchers and educators. It outlines the necessary skills and knowledge for AI Ethicists to effectively address questions in AI Ethics.
