Beyond technology: AI opens up new perspectives

Beyond technology: AI opens up new perspectives

Brussels—12 November 2020

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) needs to be designed to help individuals contribute meaningfully to their communities and to society at large” agreed participants at a meeting on 12 November 2020, the third in a series held by the Baha’i International Community (BIC) Brussels Office. Noting the multifaceted nature of AI, the discussion highlighted several key themes ranging from the technical to the conceptual.

In the current digital economy, AI-driven software is often designed to incentivise individuals to become consumers of online content, and passive recipients of goods and services. Against this backdrop, participants asked: what conditions must AI fulfil in order to allow people to conceptualize themselves as active protagonists of positive change? Answering this question, several participants remarked, would require a deeper exploration of the business models and values which currently underpin AI technologies.

A further topic of discussion was how to ensure that algorithmic outcomes and decisions are not tainted by prejudices of any kind. Some participants wondered whether prejudice is an inherent feature of human nature, while others commented that prejudice is fed by education and social structures. “Ensuring data is bias-free goes beyond a conversation on AI, and requires societal structures and educational systems to be shaped so as to reflect the oneness and diversity of humankind” noted Jeff Simon from the BIC Brussels Office.

On the issue of the future of work, participants unanimously agreed that we are currently witnessing a paradigm shift in which the very definition of work will require rethinking. This is not simply a matter of people working more or less, nor even one of refining work processes. Rather, as economic systems change, so do our individual and collective lives. Participants agreed that changes to the nature of work under the influence of AI and automation profoundly alter the way individuals conceptualise meaning in their lives. 

Subsequent meetings will explore these themes in greater depth. A meeting on “AI and the meaning of work” is planned to take place in February 2021.