1119 AI between tool and super-ego – Role pluralism as a prerequisite for ethical reflections

AI between tool and super-ego -Role pluralism as a prerequisite for ethical reflections 9.1 The human being and his toolsArtificial intelligence (AI) is a concept that requires a great deal of attention.In the context of contemporary debates, ethical reflections are urgently needed as a contribution to differentiation.However, AI ethics can only be well-founded if the underlying understanding of AI adequately considers the processes of societal popularization.Paradoxically, there is a blind spot on both sides, that of the producers and that of the recipients: despite the increasing complexity of applications, AI continues to be viewed and labelled as a 'tool'.This simplistic categorization may help to establish communicative connectivity in everyday life.Nevertheless, a scientific observer perspective requires us to overcome what can be called the 'tool illusion'.Heterogenous interrelations between AI and humans in the health sector in particular require a differentiated attribution of roles as a necessary prerequisite for meaningful reflections on social implications and ethical consequences.[1] What complicates the change in perspective is our habit to the concept of the tool itself, as it has long been at the center of progress narratives.Since the 18th century a variety of tools have been invented to replace human labor in various fields.In 1961, the first industrial robot started work at a General Motors.AI pioneer Hans Moravec recognized an "irresistible, almost evolutionary force".[2:25] AI is now undoubtedly the 'star' on the stage of digitalization.Because AI has been extensively researched, published and reported on in the media, it needs to be categorized in a differentiated way.As the culture of digitalization is increasingly changing all areas of life.AI can be discussed as a 'key technology' between promise and threat.Against this backdrop, social implications and ethical impact assessments only make sense if the blurring of boundaries in human-machine interaction associated with AI is considered.The thesis of this article is therefore that the real revolution is not digitalization itself, but rather the plurality of roles that goes hand in hand with AI.The informal relationship between humans and their tools is an obsolete model in the age of AI.AI transcends the concept of tools.This has consequences for the necessary ethical sensitivity towards AI.