MSc student presents Machine Ethics in Second Life at Idaho
Tuesday 29 July 2008
A student of the MSc programme in Information Systems gave a presentation on Machine Ethics using the Second Life virtual world to the University of Idaho Accounting Department and BAP-Iota Gamma chapter. The presentation was hosted at the Skydome Complex at the University of Idaho's virtual presence. The student, whose avatar goes by the name Viki Silvansky, emphasised the importance of ethical concerns in modern computing to an audience of around 50 other avatars.
"Machine Ethics concerns the study and implementation of computer-based ethical decision making, and how machines should replicate human considerations when deciding to act on certain information. Ever-increasing amounts of computer control are now exerted over various aspects of our lives, from credit decisions, to aircraft control, to medical interventions. Just how much control should humans give machines to alter the human environment without explicit human direction is a concern that needs to be addressed. Can machines be adequately programmed to make ethical decisions? Who holds the liability when machines make poor choices? While the answers to these questions cannot easily be answered, it is time to start the discussion."
The presentation took place in Second Life, as advertised on the Second Life website, on 26th July 2008 and provoked significant interest and thoughtful discussion.
Viki's real life is currently concerned with finishing her dissertation on the 'EthiCasino', a Machine Ethics approach to online gambling.