Ethics and AI: Justification and Tradition

This lecture delves into the complex relationship between ethics and tradition, exploring the justification behind ethical positions and the role of religious beliefs in shaping ethical norms. The instructor challenges the idea of relying on tradition or religious texts for ethical guidance, emphasizing the importance of providing justifications for ethical positions. The lecture also discusses the distinction between ethics and the law, highlighting how ethical considerations can be used to critique legal frameworks. Furthermore, the concept of consequentialism is introduced, focusing on maximizing positive outcomes for the greater good. The session concludes by touching on the importance of assessing consequences, ranking them, and comparing different ethical dilemmas.