As humanity moves beyond its adolescence, technology raises profound ethical and societal questions. This panel shares insights from the ABS Technology Working Group’s two-year effort to build capacity for contributing to this discourse. Panelists will discuss initiatives like reading groups, seminars, and materials development, efforts to identify gaps and assumptions, and aspirations to align professional pursuits with community building. Exploring technology’s relationship to purpose, values, and social actors, the session connects thought to action. A Q&A will invite collaboration and further learning.
Many have expressed ethical concerns surrounding AI-based technologies, but few have suggested concrete steps to be taken in order to address these concerns. Developments often outpace the ability of institutions, communities and individuals to participate effectively and ensure trustworthy outcomes. We should not sacrifice moral/ethical principles in service of efficiency, and we should not allow technology to shape us or the direction of our efforts. In this session, drawing on literature from business, ethics, and the Baha’i Faith, we will propose ideas for the protection of integrity and morality so that communities have agency and remain in charge of the machines.
