Objective

By the end of this lesson, Emily will understand the fundamental concepts of ethics and how they relate to artificial intelligence (AI). She will explore various ethical dilemmas posed by AI and develop her own moral framework for evaluating these situations.

Materials and Prep

• Notebook and pen for taking notes and reflections
• Access to a computer or smartphone for research (if needed)
• Printed ethical scenarios related to AI (prepared in advance)
• Access to online ethical frameworks (optional)

Before the lesson, familiarize yourself with basic ethical theories such as Utilitarianism, Deontology, and Virtue Ethics. Prepare a few real-world scenarios involving AI (e.g., self-driving cars, facial recognition technology) to discuss during the lesson.

Activities

• Ethical Framework Exploration:

  Emily will research and summarize three different ethical theories: Utilitarianism, Deontology, and Virtue Ethics. She will write down key principles of each and provide examples of how they could apply to AI.

• Scenario Analysis:

  Using the prepared ethical scenarios involving AI, Emily will analyze each scenario through the lens of the ethical theories she has learned. She will discuss the potential outcomes and moral implications of each scenario.

• Role Play Debate:

  Emily will engage in a role-play debate where she takes on the perspective of different stakeholders (e.g., a tech company, a consumer, a government official) regarding an AI technology. This will help her understand various viewpoints and the complexity of ethical decision-making.

• Personal Ethical Code:

  Finally, Emily will create her own personal ethical code regarding AI. She will outline her beliefs about morality and how she thinks AI should be used responsibly. This code can serve as a guiding principle for her future interactions with technology.

Talking Points

• "Ethics is about understanding what is right and wrong. In the context of AI, we need to think about how technology affects people's lives."
• "Utilitarianism focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number. How might this apply to decisions made by AI?"
• "Deontology emphasizes duty and rules. Are there certain rules we should never break, even when using AI?"
• "Virtue Ethics encourages us to consider the character of the person making decisions. What kind of character do we want AI developers to have?"
• "When we analyze ethical dilemmas, we must consider the perspectives of all stakeholders involved. Who benefits and who might be harmed?"
• "Creating a personal ethical code helps us navigate complex issues in technology. What principles are most important to you when thinking about AI?"