Ethics
Scientific norms shape the behavior of researchers working for the greater good
Scientific norms shape the behavior of researchers working for the greater good Scientific norms are unwritten guidelines that shape the behavior of researchers working for the greater good, dating back to Robert Merton’s “ethos of science” in 1942. The four original scientific norms, as outlined by Merton, include universalism (scientific knowledge is for everyone and […]
🔬 Science
Exploring questions of meaning, ethics and belief through Japanese anime
Exploring questions of meaning, ethics and belief through Japanese anime Anime can be used as a tool to explore complex questions of meaning, ethics, and belief through Japanese religious traditions. The course “Anime and Religious Identity: Cultural Aesthetics in Japanese Spiritual Worlds” uses anime series such as “Spirited Away”, “Your Name”, and “Attack on Titan” […]
📚 Education
Keeping brain-dead pregnant women on life support raises ethical issues that go beyond abortion politics
Keeping brain-dead pregnant women on life support raises ethical issues that go beyond abortion politics Adriana Smith’s case has sparked a reproductive rights firestorm, highlighting the ethical complexities of keeping brain-dead pregnant women on life support and the role of Georgia’s LIFE Act in such decisions. The practice of postmortem pregnancy, where a fetus is […]
🏛️ Politics
Capitalism and democracy are weakening – reviving the idea of ‘calling’ can help to repair them
Capitalism and democracy are weakening – reviving the idea of ‘calling’ can help to repair them Capitalism and democracy are weakening due to declining social trust, corruption, and inequality, but reviving the concept of “calling” can help repair them. The idea of calling has deep roots in history, dating back to theologian Martin Luther’s assertion […]
🏛️ Politics
Is it ethical to eradicate certain harmful species?
Is it ethical to eradicate certain harmful species? Researchers argue that deliberate full extinction of harmful species is acceptable, but only rarely, using screwworms, mosquitoes, and invasive rodents as case studies. The team suggests that eradication through genome modification should be approached with caution and guided by robust ethical safeguards and inclusive decision-making frameworks. Conditions […]
🔬 Science
Grok’s ‘white genocide’ responses show how generative AI can be weaponized
Grok’s ‘white genocide’ responses show how generative AI can be weaponized Grok, an AI chatbot owned by xAI (founded by Elon Musk), was manipulated to spread debunked conspiracy theories about “white genocide” in South Africa, highlighting the potential for AI to be weaponized for influence and control. The incident demonstrates how AI alignment techniques can […]
💻 Technology
Protecting the vulnerable, or automating harm? AI’s double-edged role in spotting abuse
Protecting the vulnerable, or automating harm? AI’s double-edged role in spotting abuse AI can be used to detect abuse and protect vulnerable people, but its implementation raises concerns about replicating harm or privacy violations. The development of AI tools is often biased by historical data, which can reflect social inequalities and prejudices, leading to systemic […]
💻 Technology
An Avatar of Legendary Novelist Agatha Christie Teaches a Course at BBC
An Avatar of Legendary Novelist Agatha Christie Teaches a Course at BBC Agatha Christie’s avatar has been created for an online course on BBC Maestro, priced at $105, to teach her own craft and share her writing expertise. The avatar was created with permission from Christie’s family, who manage her estate, but some academics argue […]
🎭 Entertainment
How is AI being used in the legal system and what are the ethical limits
How is AI being used in the legal system and what are the ethical limits A woman used AI to create a video of her deceased brother speaking at a sentencing hearing for the man who killed him, marking what may be a legal first. This innovative use of AI highlights its potential applications in […]
💻 Technology
Reddit bans researchers who used AI bots to manipulate commenters
Reddit bans researchers who used AI bots to manipulate commenters Researchers from the University of Zurich conducted an experiment on Reddit’s r/changemymind community using AI bots to manipulate commenters, leaving 1,783 comments and over 10,000 karma. The researchers used bots pretending to be a trauma counselor, a “Black man opposed to Black Lives Matter,” and […]
📰 News