L’intelligenza artificiale può essere una questione di potere e di competizione?

The opportunities and risks for upholding the principles of autonomy and equality have long been at the heart of the ethical and political debate on AI. It has now established itself as a highly plausible candidate for replacing human agents, even in functions and areas most closely connected to the ideas of responsibility and creativity, and at least some believe that even the frontier of consciousness and emotions is not destined to remain insurmountable. At the same time, AI is an increasingly powerful tool for competition in markets and international relations. Being aware of this means raising not only the question of empowerment (or disempowerment) of individuals and populations, but also a genuine issue of power. It inevitably means – even while emphasizing that the unprecedented potential of these new technologies must be deployed in respect for human rights, dignity, and the freedoms of all – reviving the question of the compatibility between the goal of leadership and the duties of solidarity and sharing the benefits of scientific progress. The data providing evidence of significant imbalances and inequalities require us to rethink the option for competition as a prerequisite and, ultimately, a container of AI ethics, suggesting not so much the need to mitigate some of its effects, but rather the need to strengthen, along with rules, mechanisms, and, above all, the desire for collaboration and inclusion. From this perspective, AI becomes a testing ground for the theory and practice of global justice.