Source URL: https://simonwillison.net/2025/Feb/20/joanna-bryson/
Source: Simon Willison’s Weblog
Title: Quoting Joanna Bryson
Feedly Summary: There are contexts in which it is immoral to use generative AI. For example, if you are a judge responsible for grounding a decision in law, you cannot rest that on an approximation of previous cases unknown to you. You want an AI system that helps you retrieve specific, well-documented cases, not one that confabulates fictional cases. You need to ensure you procure the right kind of AI for a task, and the right kind is determined in part by the essentialness of human responsibility.
— Joanna Bryson, Generative AI use and human agency
Tags: llms, ai, ethics, generative-ai
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses the ethical implications of using generative AI in critical decision-making contexts, particularly emphasizing the importance of human agency and responsibility in selecting appropriate AI systems. It highlights the potential dangers of relying on AI that may produce inaccurate or fictitious information in high-stakes situations like legal judgments.
Detailed Description: The content underscores the moral considerations surrounding the deployment of generative AI, specifically in scenarios where human judgment is paramount. Joanna Bryson uses the example of judges needing reliable legal precedents to stress the necessity of employing AI tools that prioritize accuracy and transparency over those that may generate misleading information.
– **Ethical Considerations**:
– The text indicates that using AI systems that don’t accurately reflect real data in sensitive contexts can lead to immoral outcomes.
– It points out the inherent risks required in decision-making roles like that of a judge.
– **Human Agency**:
– The necessity of human oversight is emphasized; decisions based on flawed AI outputs can have significant repercussions.
– The discussion reflects on the fundamental need for human responsibility in deploying these technologies effectively.
– **Right AI for the Task**:
– It stresses the importance of choosing the correct type of AI for its intended application based on ethical criteria.
– The recommendation is that AI should assist in retrieving accurate, well-documented information instead of fabricating potentially harmful alternatives.
This examination is crucial for professionals in AI security and ethics, as it underlines the need to assess the reliability and ethical implications of AI models in sensitive applications, ensuring they align with human-centered values in decision-making processes.