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The Ethical Limits of AI Advancement
Shirl C. Thompson
Liberty University
ENG 101: Composition and Rhetoric (B21)
Professor Emily Underwood
February 17, 2025
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I. Introduction
A. Interest-catcher: Imagine a world where artificial intelligence (AI) makes decisions about
your life, from healthcare to employment, without human intervention. This rapid growth and
integration of AI into everyday life have brought about significant advancements, but also ethical
dilemmas that need to be addressed.
1. AI's potential has always sparked interest and concern. With movies and literature often
painting a picture of a future where AI either aids humanity or leads to its downfall, it is
crucial to assess the reality of AI's capabilities and its ethical implications.
B. Transition Sentence: As AI continues to evolve, it is essential to consider the ethical
boundaries that should guide its development and implementation.
1. Transitioning from these dramatic depictions to real-world applications, we can see
that AI is already making impactful changes in various sectors, from healthcare to
finance. However, these advancements come with their own set of ethical questions
and challenges.
C. Opposition and Common Ground: While some advocate for unrestricted AI innovation to
fuel rapid technological advancement and economic growth, it is crucial to find common
ground that ensures ethical considerations and societal welfare.
1. The debate over AI development often places innovation and ethics at odds with each
other. Yet, it is possible to advance AI technology while adhering to ethical standards that
protect human dignity and societal values. Thus, human advancement in AI should be
regulated to balance innovation with ethical considerations, ensuring societal welfare and
preventing potential misuse.
II. Address Opposing Arguments
A. Explain the Opposing Argument: Proponents argue that unrestricted AI innovation is essential
for rapid technological advancement and economic growth.
1. The belief here is that limiting AI development could stifle progress and hinder economic
benefits. AI has the potential to revolutionize industries, create new job opportunities, and
improve efficiency in numerous sectors.
B. Support for Opposing Argument:
1. Specific Example: Some industry leaders believe that placing limitations on AI
development could hinder progress and competitive edge in the global market (Cheong,
2021).
2. By allowing unrestricted AI development, businesses can explore new technological
frontiers, enhancing their competitive advantage and contributing to economic growth
3. Supporting Evidence: "Unrestricted AI development allows for the exploration of new
frontiers, fostering innovation and economic opportunities" (Van Slyke, Johnson, &
Sarabadani, 2023).
4. This perspective emphasizes that restrictions could impede technological breakthroughs
that have the potential to drive significant economic benefits.
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III. Address Opposing Arguments
A. Explain the Opposing Argument: Another argument is that AI has the potential to solve
complex problems and improve quality of life.
1. AI's ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately makes it an invaluable
tool for addressing complex issues in various fields, including healthcare, environmental
sustainability, and education. B. Support for Opposing Argument:
2. Examples: AI advancements in healthcare, such as early diagnosis and personalized
treatment plans, have shown promising results (Ryan, 2020).
3. These advancements demonstrate AI's potential to enhance medical care, leading to better
patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare systems.
4. Supporting Quote: "AI technology can revolutionize various sectors, providing
innovative solutions to longstanding issues" (Hermann, 2022).
5. The application of AI in diverse fields underscores its capability to bring about positive
changes and address challenges that were previously insurmountable.
IV. Demonstrate Understanding
A. Introduce Validity of Opposing View: While the arguments for unrestricted AI development
have merit, it is essential to consider the potential ethical implications.
1. Acknowledging the benefits of AI does not negate the necessity for ethical
considerations. It is crucial to recognize both the advantages and potential risks
associated with AI technology.
B. Explanation: The potential benefits of AI in improving quality of life and economic growth
are undeniable.
1. AI's contributions to various sectors illustrate its transformative potential, which is why
proponents advocate for fewer restrictions to maximize these benefits.
C. Agreement: To some degree, I find agreement with the opposition that AI can bring about
significant advancements and improvements in various fields.
1. It is clear that AI has the potential to drive progress and innovation, and completely
hindering its development would be counterproductive. However, this progress should
not come at the cost of ethical standards and societal welfare.
V. Make My Argument
A. Explain My Position: However, the advancement of AI should be regulated to ensure ethical
considerations, societal welfare, and prevention of potential misuse.
1. While recognizing the benefits of AI, it is imperative to establish guidelines and
regulations that govern its development and application. This ensures that AI technology
is used responsibly and ethically.
B. Support for My Position:
1. Examples: AI's impact on human dignity and autonomy (Cheong, 2021).
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oAI systems should be designed in a way that respects and upholds human dignity
and autonomy. This includes considering the implications of AI decisions on
individuals and ensuring that humans remain in control.
2. Quotes: "AI systems must be designed to uphold human values and ethical principles"
(Fulmer, Davis, Costello, & Joerin, 2021).
oEmphasizing the importance of ethical design in AI development helps mitigate
risks and align AI applications with societal values.
3. Analysis: Ensuring that AI development aligns with ethical standards is crucial for
maintaining public trust and preventing harmful consequences.
oTrust is a fundamental aspect of AI adoption. Without ethical guidelines, public
trust in AI technology could erode, leading to resistance and potential backlash
against AI advancements.
C. Transition: Addressing the ethical boundaries of AI is essential for balancing innovation with
responsibility.
1. Establishing ethical guidelines does not necessarily stifle innovation. Instead, it creates a
framework within which responsible and sustainable AI development can occur.
VI. Demonstrate the Benefit of My Argument (Conclusion)
A. Common Ground and Benefits: Regulating AI advancements can find common ground by
ensuring ethical considerations while still fostering innovation.
1. By implementing ethical regulations, it is possible to harness the benefits of AI while
minimizing potential risks. This balanced approach can lead to sustainable and
responsible AI development.
2. Opponents would benefit from accepting this position as it promotes responsible AI
development that safeguards societal welfare.
oEthical regulations can enhance public trust in AI, leading to greater acceptance
and integration of AI technology in various sectors. This, in turn, can drive further
innovation and economic growth.
B. Restate Key Points and Conclude: By balancing innovation with ethical considerations, we
can harness the potential of AI to improve quality of life while preventing potential harm.
1. In conclusion, the advancement of AI should be guided by ethical considerations to
ensure that it contributes positively to society. Establishing regulatory frameworks is
essential for achieving this balance.
2. Thus, it is crucial to establish ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks for the
advancement of AI.
oThese frameworks will help manage the ethical dilemmas associated with AI and
ensure that AI technology is developed and applied in a manner that aligns with
societal values and interests.
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References
Cheong, P. H. (2021). Bounded religious automation at work: Communicating human authority
in artificial intelligence networks. Journal of Communication Inquiry, 45(1), 5-23.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0196859920977133
Van Slyke, C., Johnson, R. D., & Sarabadani, J. (2023). Generative artificial intelligence in
information systems education: Challenges, consequences, and responses. Communications of
the Association for Information Systems, 53, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.17705/1CAIS.05301
Ryan, M. (2020). In AI we trust: Ethics, artificial intelligence, and reliability. Science and
Engineering Ethics, 26, 2749-2767. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-020-00228-y
Hermann, E. (2022). Leveraging artificial intelligence in marketing for social good—An ethical
perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 179(1), 43-61. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-021-
04843-y
Fulmer, R., Davis, T., Costello, C., & Joerin, A. (2021). The ethics of psychological artificial
intelligence: Clinical considerations. Counseling and Values, 66(2), 131-144.
https://doi.org/10.1002/cvj.12153
Tóth, Z., Caruana, R., Gruber, T., & Loebbecke, C. (2022). The dawn of the AI robots: Towards a
new framework of AI robot accountability. Journal of Business Ethics, 178, 895-916.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-022-05050-z
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