Ethical aspects of ChatGPT: An approach to discuss and evaluate...
Introduction
There has been a significant focus on Large Language Models (LLMs) and conversational agents, highlighting their capabilities and benefits. However, it is essential to also consider the costs, harms, and risks associated with their development and deployment. To contribute to the establishment of 'trustworthy AI', we suggest organizing ethical reflection and deliberation based on the seven key requirements outlined by the European Commission's High-Level Expert Group on AI (2019). In this discussion, we aim to explore these requirements through four ethical perspectives: consequentialism, duty ethics, relational ethics, and virtue ethics. Furthermore, we will assess these perspectives across different levels of the sociotechnical system including individual, organizational, and societal aspects.
Exploring ChatGPT
The emergence of ChatGPT, an LLM-based conversational agent released in November 2022, has generated widespread excitement and discussions regarding its potential to advance Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Amidst this rapid development, there is a crucial need to examine the exact capabilities of ChatGPT, distinguish hype from reality, and address the ethical concerns surrounding its usage. In this paper, we delve into various ethical aspects related to ChatGPT to provide a deeper understanding of the implications associated with LLM-based conversational agents.
Ethical Perspectives and Reflection
Through our extensive experience in applied research and innovation projects focusing on AI systems, we have recognized the significance of integrating ethical considerations into these initiatives. It is evident that ethical concerns are often overlooked, with minimal explicit discussions on the ethical dimensions involved. We believe that emphasizing ethical perspectives and aspects, and facilitating structured reflection and deliberation, is crucial for translating ethical principles into practical applications.
Theoretical Framework
We adopt a modest form of systems thinking to analyze AI systems within larger sociotechnical systems. This approach involves examining interactions at individual, organizational, and societal levels to assess the impact of conversational agents on various stakeholders and environments. Our methodology aligns with previous studies on sociotechnical safety evaluation of AI systems and emphasizes the importance of considering diverse perspectives in ethical evaluations.
Our discussion of ethical aspects surrounding ChatGPT is centered on identifying key issues, promoting dialogues with stakeholders, and making informed decisions. While this paper primarily focuses on highlighting ethical concerns, the broader implications of organizing ethical reflection and deliberation extend to enhancing the ethical framework governing AI technologies.
By employing a multifaceted ethical perspective, incorporating system-level analysis, and adhering to established ethical guidelines, we aim to foster a comprehensive understanding of the ethical dimensions associated with ChatGPT and similar conversational agents.
