Curating a tech-driven philosophical experience

Curating a tech-driven philosophical experience

Ethical dilemmas emerge, intertwined with technological progress. Unlike historical controversies pondering the Earth's orbit or grappling with the reality of biological evolution, today's ethical challenges arise from the intricate web of advancing technologies, rapidly transforming societal norms, and a heightened awareness of ethical implications. Ethics today encompasses diverse topics—from synthetic biology and genetic engineering to climate change and renewables, which demand attention and immediate action. The debate intensifies as we move into the age of artificial intelligence and will intensify further in the upcoming era of quantum computing.

Ethical AI demands rigorous consideration throughout the design, development, and implementation of digital technologies, questioning their alignment with societal values. The transparency and explainability of AI are already subjects of ongoing debate, especially in critical domains such as healthcare, criminal justice, and defense. It is at this point where philosophy enters the stage. It can play a pivotal role by nurturing critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and a comprehensive understanding of the societal implications of technological progress.

Demokritos is charting new frontiers in AI research

Demokritos has notably distinguished itself by generating a substantial body of work in the field of AI. AI activities are permeating Demokritos horizontally, establishing intriguing interfaces across different research areas like biotechnology and digital health, energy, environment, telecommunications, digital manufacturing and advanced materials.?

The Institute of Informatics & Telecommunications at NCSR Demokritos (IIT), led by Vangelis Karkaletsis , is at the forefront of the Centre’s AI initiatives. Our research teams are constantly expanding, achieving remarkable milestones, and securing funding from esteemed international organizations and private institutions. Collaborating with brilliant minds, we are actively involved in the establishment of novel and intriguing infrastructures that contribute to the ongoing evolution of AI.?

Yet, our commitment extends beyond technological advancements; it is rooted in ensuring that AI serves as a tool for the well-being of humanity and the protection of democracy on a global scale. Demokritos aspires to be an integral part of the societal discourse surrounding the human-centric essence of technologies like AI. Our objective is to engage in this greater opportunity for dialogue that safeguards the human spirit, harnessing technology for environmental sustainability and for the greater good.

Aylon Lyceum: An Innovative fusion for empowering dialogue on ethics?

Aylon Lyceum, the cultural hub inaugurated in Athens in October 2023, is the result of our collaborative effort with the Greek Ministry of Culture, driven by IIT, with the valuable support of the World Human Forum . It reflects our commitment to fostering links between industry, academia, and society. It stands out as evidence of our belief that by emphasizing the integration of technology with universal philosophical concepts, we can aspire to shape a high-quality discourse around the ethics of advanced technological systems that can fit into a democratic context.

Lida Arnellou , Postdoctoral Researcher at Demokritos, Curator and Project Manager of Aylon Lyceum describes the hub as "a tech-driven philosophical experience; an open lab for testing cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, for cultural applications, incorporating interactive exhibits as ongoing experiments."?

When asked about the inaugural exhibition titled "Democracy and Eudemonia", she says: “It is a journey into the relationship between democracy and well-being, achieved through technology-driven philosophical experiences.? The interactive exhibits generate data on people's ethical choices in specific scenarios, fostering the discussion on fundamental values such as justice and freedom, serving as starting points to explore later on individuals' ethical stances and attitudes towards ethical AI.”

Arnellou, underscores the pervasive integration of AI ethics into the work of all those involved in its development and deployment. She argues that we cannot develop technologies without conscientiously considering their potential, limitations, and social ramifications.

The goal is to illuminate how AI stimulates the exploration of universal questions posed by philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. Questions such as "What constitutes a life well-lived?" and "What does it mean to be human? " are central to human reflection throughout history. This is why, according to Arnellou, at Aylon Lyceum, technology isn't intended to impose philosophy; instead, it is carefully crafted to enhance public interaction with philosophy. This is the initial step in empowering individuals to grasp ethics' meaning and engage in a dialogue about ethics and ethics in AI.

For those who still approach this innovative fusion of philosophy and technology with skepticism, she addresses their concerns, stating that "At IIT, we have always believed in discussing ethics and had an interest in philosophy. Moreover, Demokritos, as a Research Center, aims to impact society positively. It's deemed crucial to extend the reach of our research and work into society rather than isolating ourselves from it.”

Navigating challenges fostering ethical AI?

In this era of profound change, AI emerges as a pivotal force driving exceptional shifts and nurturing lofty expectations for the collective future; a product of human intelligence and creativity, it mirrors our aspirations, challenges, strengths, and weaknesses. Research Institutions, along with policymakers and public opinion leaders, are challenged to understand how people are affected by the way AI is embedded in structures of power and adopt a humanistic approach that is not captured only by scientific or economic models. Drawing on philosophy, the humanities, and the arts, societies need to re-evaluate education to incorporate diverse contemporary approaches and procedures to safeguard concepts such as equality, justice, privacy, identity, transparency, and freedom. Education, with its inherent potential and responsibility, can help harness the power of AI for a future where knowledge and innovation will propel us to an unprecedented technological strength.?

Aylon Lyceum is the result of the implementation of the project “DESIGN, ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE HOUSE OF CLASSICAL GREEK IDEAS” (MIS:5033016) co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of the European Union and national resources through the Operational Program on Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship & Innovation (EPAnEK) 2014 – 2020.

Thank you to Dr. Eva Karatairi for additional research and reporting on this article.

I am the Director and Chairman of the Board of the National Centre of Scientific Research “Demokritos” one of the largest multidisciplinary public research centers in Greece. At Demokritos, our mission is discovery in Natural Sciences and Engineering. We are dedicated to producing and promoting scientific knowledge on a global scale, advancing technology with the aim of making a positive impact worldwide.