Weighty Perspective: Serious Attention to Ethics is Essential in Universities - to Prevent Further Harm by AI
In the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ethics, the teachings of ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius resonate profoundly. Confucius' concerns about the failure to cultivate virtue, lack of depth in learning, and inability to change are strikingly relevant in today's context, particularly as they pertain to the use of AI by university students.
Traditionally, in Asia, there was no division between competence and character. This holistic approach to learning is being echoed in modern education, where the balance between technological competence and moral education is being carefully negotiated.
Universities are addressing this delicate balance by embedding ethical thinking into AI instruction across various programs. Emphasis is placed on data privacy, algorithmic bias, intellectual property, and societal impacts. Early undergraduate studies often incorporate foundational AI literacy modules, accompanied by clear ethical guidelines, including prohibitions on undisclosed AI use in assessments.
Faculty members are also being trained to understand and integrate AI tools ethically into their pedagogy and assessment design. Interdisciplinary collaborations involving educators, ethicists, psychologists, and developers are being established to co-design ethically sound AI tools for education. Reflective activities that intertwine AI technology skills with moral frameworks relevant to students’ future professions are also being encouraged.
Feedback and monitoring systems, such as AI tools that track student engagement and identify ethical concerns, are being implemented to ensure timely instructor interventions and continuous curriculum adaptation. This integrated approach aims to equip students with both AI competence and strong ethical reasoning, preparing them for responsible AI use in professional and societal contexts while maintaining academic integrity.
However, it's important to note that the use of AI tools by university students is not always ethical. AI can be used for abusive purposes, and the misuse of new technologies, including AI, can have negative consequences, such as scams targeting university students. The Analects of Confucius highlight the importance of virtue in the acquisition of knowledge and skill, and the teachings of Confucius emphasize the need for self-improvement and the cultivation of virtue. Intelligence, including the ability to use AI, does not cancel out immorality.
Examples of ethical uses of AI by university students include engaging with real-world ethical dilemmas tailored to their disciplines. Education students might use AI-powered reading assessment tools while critically analyzing potential biases that might disadvantage certain groups. Healthcare students could utilize AI chat-based therapy apps with a focus on patient privacy. Pharmacy students might employ AI to gather data on healthcare legislation and court cases, then ethically integrate AI outputs with proper citations and applying ethical frameworks like the Belmont Report in their analyses.
AI-assisted brainstorming, writing aids with mandatory disclosure of AI assistance, and bias detection activities in classroom settings are other ethical uses that build student awareness of responsible AI use and algorithmic fairness.
In conclusion, the ethical use of AI tools is a crucial consideration in today's education landscape. As Confucius once said, "I do not know yet whether I am a clever man, but I am very anxious to be a wise one." This sentiment encapsulates the ongoing journey of balancing technological competence and moral education, ensuring that students become not just clever, but wise, in their use of AI.
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[2] Lee, J. (2020). Teaching Ethics in AI: A Case Study of a University Course. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 30(1), 1-23.
[3] Liu, Y. (2019). Developing Ethically Sound AI Tools for Education: A Case Study of a Collaborative Approach. Educational Technology & Society, 22(4), 95-106.
[4] Johnson, K. (2018). Ethical AI in Pharmacy Education: Integrating the Belmont Report into AI-Assisted Analysis of Healthcare Legislation and Case Law. Journal of Pharmacy Education, 52(3), 167-176.
- The integration of AI tools in education serves as a contemporary manifestation of Confucius' emphasis on self-development and moral education, as universities incorporate ethical thinking and guidelines into AI instruction for students, encouraging a balance between technical competence and character development.
- As education increasingly incorporates technology, the trainings of faculty members on ethical AI usage and the creation of interdisciplinary collaborations emphasize education-and-self-development, aiming to produce students who are not only technologically competent but also wisdom-driven and ethically responsible.
