CPSC 415 - Artificial Intelligence - Fall 2023

Responsive Reading #4 — Ethics and safety

Possible experience: +20XP

Due: Tuesday, Dec. 12th, midnight

Instructions

Intelligently and efficiently read each of the following:

[1] The "Fact Sheet" distributed in class describing the President's recent Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence, Oct. 2023.

[2] S. L. Anderson, "The Unacceptability of Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics as a Basis for Machine Ethics," in Machine Ethics, M. Anderson and S. L. Anderson, Eds. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011, pp. 285-296.

Then, compose a response paper in which you summarize each of them (½ page each), and then answer the following questions (also about ½ page each):

1. From the point of view of human citizens, the President's new Executive Order attempts to mitigate the dangers that AI poses. What are the strengths and weaknesses of this order? If followed, is it sufficient to mitigate most of these dangers? (Why or why not?)
2. From a completely different point of view (that of the robot) Anderson claims that Asimov's Three Laws are ethically problematic. Is she right? (Why or why not?) Do you think she would also object to this recent Executive Order? (Why or why not?)

Can I go to the Writing Center for help?

Yes!

Should I go to the Writing Center for help?

If you're asking this question, the answer is probably yes.

Turning it in

Stick your stapled response paper, with your name on it, in the "415" manilla envelope hanging outside my office door by the deadline. (I will not accept electronic copies, nor unstapled copies.)

Getting help

If you're having trouble understanding the articles, or would like to discuss them with me, come to office hours, or send me email with subject line "CPSC 415 Responsive Reading #4 help!!"