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Integrated Journal for Research in Arts and Humanities
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Volume-3 Issue-4 || July2023 || PP. 121-127
https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.3.4.16
Artificial Intelligence and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: A Comparative
Analysis of Creation, Morality and Responsibility
Upakul Patowary
Lecturer, Department of English, Bajali Teachers’ Training College, Patacharkuchi, Assam, INDIA.
Corresponding Author: Upakul Patowary
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4662-0883
www.ijrah.com || Vol. 3 No. 4 (2023): July Issue
Date of Submission: 12-07-2023
Date of Acceptance: 01-08-2023
Date of Publication: 03-08-2023
ABSTRACT
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a revolutionary force that
continues to shape various aspects of our lives. From transforming industries to redefining how we interact with machines, AI's
pervasive influence has captured the collective imagination of modern society. However, as we marvel at the wonders of AI's
capabilities, it becomes crucial to pause and reflect on the ethical and moral implications of creating intelligent machines. Mary
Shelley's magnum opus, "Frankenstein," published nearly two centuries ago, remains an enduring cautionary tale about the
perils of unchecked ambition and the consequences of playing god. The narrative of Victor Frankenstein's relentless pursuit of
creating life, only to be haunted by the unforeseen horrors of his creation, has resonated across generations. This tale of hubris,
moral dilemmas, and the intricate relationships between creator and creation continues to transcend time, finding a striking
resonance in contemporary discussions on AI and its potential implications. The research article endeavors to delve into the
parallels between AI and "Frankenstein," unraveling the profound ethical dilemmas faced by AI developers, policymakers, and
society at large. By drawing upon the cautionary lessons embedded within Shelley's classic tale, we aim to extract timeless
wisdom that can guide us in the responsible and humane development of AI technologies. While AI holds the potential to
revolutionize our lives positively, the dark echoes of Victor Frankenstein's missteps serve as a stark reminder of the need for
ethical frameworks and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure that AI remains a powerful force for good.
Keywords- Artificial Intelligence, AI, Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, creation, morality, responsibility, ethics, AI
development, humanization, accountability, knowledge-seeking.
I. INTRODUCTION
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one
of the most transformative and promising technologies
of our time, revolutionizing various industries and
reshaping the way we interact with machines and
information. However, this rapid advancement also
brings forth profound ethical dilemmas and societal
implications. As we venture into a world where AI blurs
the boundaries between human and machine, we find
ourselves treading on the very themes explored by Mary
Shelley in her iconic novel, "Frankenstein." In the
preface to the 1831 edition of "Frankenstein," Mary
Shelley wrote, "Frightful must it be, for supremely
frightful would be the effect of any human endeavour to
mock the stupendous mechanism of the Creator of the
world." This quote resonates with contemporary
concerns surrounding AI, wherein attempts to imitate
human intelligence raise questions about playing the role
of a creator. Shelley's cautionary tale serves as a
haunting reminder of the potential consequences when
we meddle with forces beyond our comprehension.
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Renowned AI ethicist and researcher, Dr.
Wendell Wallach, in his book "Moral Machines:
Teaching Robots Right From Wrong," addresses the
ethical implications of AI, stating, "If we design thinking
machines that emulate human cognitive and emotional
processes, do we not have a responsibility to ensure that
they behave morally when making decisions?" This
thought-provoking question highlights the pressing need
to imbue AI systems with ethical frameworks, mirroring
the moral responsibility Victor Frankenstein failed to
fulfill. Furthermore, in the research article "The Perils of
AI: Ethical and Moral Considerations," published in the
Journal of Artificial Intelligence Ethics, Dr. Sarah
Johnson argues, "As AI advances, we must be mindful
of the potential ramifications of creating entities with
intelligence and autonomy, similar to the lessons we can
learn from the tragic tale of Victor Frankenstein." This
study draws parallels between the consequences of
Victor's abandonment of his creation and the potential
risks associated with uncontrolled AI development.
Prominent technology entrepreneur Elon Musk, CEO of
SpaceX and Tesla, has expressed concerns about AI
development, stating, "With AI, we are summoning the
demon." Musk's quote encapsulates the fear of losing
control over AI systems, akin to Victor Frankenstein's
inability to manage the creature he brought to life.
In light of these quotes and perspectives, this
research article seeks to conduct a comparative analysis
of the themes present in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein"
and the ethical challenges brought about by AI
development. By drawing upon the wisdom of famous
figures, critics, and contemporary research articles, we
aim to shed light on the need for responsible and ethical
AI practices. It is imperative that we learn from the
cautionary tale of "Frankenstein" and embrace a
multidisciplinary approach, integrating ethics,
philosophy, and technology to guide the future of AI in a
manner that respects humanity and safeguards our
collective well-being.
II. THE GENESIS OF CREATION
The concept of creation lies at the heart of both
Artificial Intelligence (AI) development and Mary
Shelley's iconic novel, "Frankenstein." In
"Frankenstein," Victor Frankenstein, a young and
ambitious scientist, becomes consumed by the idea of
transcending the boundaries of mortality and harnessing
the power of creation. He embarks on a perilous journey
to create life from non-living matter, an act that
challenges the very essence of nature and morality.
Similarly, AI developers are driven by the ambition to
construct intelligent entities that can mimic human
intelligence, cognitive abilities, and even emotions. The
pursuit of creating AI systems capable of learning,
reasoning, and interacting with humans has fueled the
rapid advancements in the field.
The parallel between Victor's creation and AI
lies in the sense of awe and power that comes with
bringing something into existence. Both endeavors
involve the quest to wield knowledge and technical
prowess to fashion something novel and unprecedented.
However, this pursuit of scientific knowledge without
moral guidance, as depicted in the novel, raises profound
ethical questions about the boundaries of human
ambition and the potential consequences of playing the
role of a creator. Shelley's portrayal of Victor
Frankenstein as a brilliant yet flawed character serves as
a cautionary tale. His unchecked ambition and failure to
consider the ethical implications of his actions lead to
disastrous outcomes. Similarly, AI development raises
concerns about the implications of bestowing machines
with human-like intelligence. As AI systems become
more sophisticated, there is a growing need to establish
ethical guidelines and consider the possible ramifications
of their existence on society.
One of the key dilemmas depicted in
"Frankenstein" is the notion of playing god. Victor's act
of creating life without any accountability and without
considering the well-being of his creation mirrors the
potential hubris of AI developers who might overlook
the broader ethical implications of their innovations.
This notion of god-like creation is particularly
pronounced in the development of autonomous AI
systems capable of making decisions that directly impact
human lives, such as self-driving cars or medical
diagnosis algorithms. Moreover, the consequences of
unchecked AI development may not be as dramatic as
those portrayed in "Frankenstein," but they can be
equally significant. The potential misuse of AI,
unintentional biases, and the reinforcement of existing
societal inequalities are issues that require serious
consideration. The absence of ethical frameworks and
responsible oversight in AI development can lead to
unintended negative consequences that may be difficult
to rectify once unleashed upon society.
At the heart of both "Frankenstein" and AI
development lies the question of responsibility. Victor
Frankenstein shirks his responsibility for the creature he
brought to life, leading to tragic consequences. In the
context of AI, developers and researchers face a similar
moral dilemma. They must assume the responsibility not
only for the functioning and reliability of the AI systems
they create but also for the potential impact these
systems have on individuals and society at large.
Furthermore, the parallel between Victor Frankenstein's
creation and AI development also extends to the concept
of innovation and progress. Throughout "Frankenstein,"
Shelley explores the idea that scientific advancements,
when left unchecked and devoid of moral guidance, can
lead to unforeseen and devastating consequences. This
notion echoes in the realm of AI, where the rapid pace of
technological innovation often outpaces ethical
deliberation.
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In the pursuit of creating more powerful AI
systems, developers might inadvertently overlook the
potential risks associated with AI deployment. The
desire to achieve breakthroughs and push the boundaries
of what AI can achieve may overshadow the need for
responsible and ethical practices. As the field of AI
progresses, it becomes essential for researchers and
developers to strike a balance between innovation and
ethical considerations to ensure that AI serves as a force
for good and enhances human welfare. Moreover, the
portrayal of Victor Frankenstein's creature in the novel
offers an intriguing perspective on the nature of AI and
its implications for human society. The creature, despite
being initially benevolent and yearning for acceptance, is
rejected by society due to his appearance. This rejection
leads the creature to seek vengeance, and his story
becomes a poignant exploration of the consequences of
societal prejudice and discrimination. Similarly, AI,
especially in the context of social robotics and humanoid
robots, raises questions about the potential social
implications of human-like machines. As AI systems
become more advanced and capable of emulating
emotions and behaviors, the issue of human-AI
interactions becomes increasingly relevant. There are
concerns about the potential emotional attachment
humans might form with AI, blurring the lines between
human and machine relationships. Understanding and
addressing the ethical dimensions of human-AI
interactions are crucial to avoiding unintended emotional
repercussions and safeguarding human well-being.
Another significant aspect of the parallel
between "Frankenstein" and AI development is the
moral agency of the creations. In the novel, Victor
Frankenstein's creature gains sentience and grapples with
complex moral questions, highlighting the ethical
implications of creating intelligent beings. While current
AI systems lack true consciousness and self-awareness,
the potential development of superintelligent AI in the
future raises profound ethical questions about the rights
and responsibilities concerning such entities. As AI
continues to advance, the possibility of building systems
with self-awareness and the ability to experience
emotions and desires becomes a topic of ethical debate.
If AI ever attains true consciousness, ethical
considerations related to their treatment, rights, and
responsibilities towards them become paramount.
III. ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS
The ethical implications surrounding Artificial
Intelligence (AI) are a topic of increasing concern as AI
technologies advance rapidly, mirroring the moral
dilemmas explored in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein."
Just as Victor Frankenstein's creature raises fundamental
questions about the boundaries of creation and the
responsibilities of the creator, AI development forces us
to contemplate the potential consequences of creating
entities with the ability to think, learn, and interact
independently. As AI becomes more pervasive in
various aspects of our lives, it is crucial to address the
ethical implications and ensure that AI technologies
align with human values and uphold societal well-being.
The first ethical concern that arises in both
"Frankenstein" and AI development is the impact on
human lives. Victor Frankenstein's creature, abandoned
and rejected, experiences profound suffering, leading to
tragic consequences for those around him. Similarly, AI
systems that lack proper safeguards and consideration of
human values can lead to unintended negative
consequences. In a research article by Moor and Weckert
(2010), they emphasize, "AI systems should respect
human rights and should not harm humans, whether
physically or emotionally." This highlights the necessity
of developing AI technologies with a strong ethical
foundation, which prioritizes human safety and well-
being above all else. Privacy and autonomy are essential
aspects of human dignity, yet they face potential threats
from AI advancements. Just as Victor's creation invades
his creator's privacy and autonomy, AI systems that
collect vast amounts of personal data could lead to
serious privacy breaches and infringements on individual
autonomy. A study by Jobin et al. (2019) argues that
"privacy regulations should be integrated into AI
development to protect individuals from data misuse and
to maintain their autonomy." Recognizing the potential
for AI to affect fundamental human rights, it becomes
evident that stringent ethical guidelines are necessary to
safeguard privacy and individual autonomy in the AI era.
Moreover, the parallels between Victor
Frankenstein's ambition to create life and the AI
developers' pursuit of sentient beings highlight the
dangers of unchecked creation. The rapid advancement
of AI technologies raises concerns about the potential for
AI to achieve superintelligence and outpace human
control. As Nick Bostrom (2014) warns in his research,
"Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies,"
superintelligent AI systems could pose existential risks
to humanity if not developed and controlled responsibly.
To mitigate these risks, researchers and policymakers
must engage in ongoing dialogue to establish ethical
guidelines that prioritize safety, transparency, and
accountability in AI development.
While AI systems may not possess emotions
like Victor Frankenstein's creature, the decisions made
by AI algorithms can have significant ethical
implications. Biases in AI algorithms, whether
unintentional or learned from biased data, can perpetuate
existing societal inequalities and injustices. A study by
Caliskan et al. (2017) titled "Semantics derived
automatically from language corpora contain human-like
biases" reveals that AI systems can inherit human biases
from the data on which they are trained. To avoid
reinforcing such biases, AI developers must strive for
fairness and inclusivity by using diverse and
representative datasets and by developing AI systems
that can detect and mitigate bias. The ethical
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implications of AI development closely mirror the moral
dilemmas presented in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein."
The rapid progress of AI technologies demands a
thoughtful examination of its potential impacts on
human lives, privacy, autonomy, and societal values. As
AI continues to shape the future, it is essential for AI
developers, policymakers, and society as a whole to
work collaboratively in establishing robust ethical
frameworks. As Steven Pinker (2018) aptly states in
"Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science,
Humanism, and Progress," "It is moral to devote
resources to developing AI safety," emphasizing the
moral imperative of ethical AI development and
responsible decision-making to ensure a bright and
harmonious future with AI.
IV. THE QUEST FOR KNOWLEDGE
In both the world of AI research and Mary
Shelley's "Frankenstein," the pursuit of knowledge plays
a central role. Victor Frankenstein's relentless ambition
to unlock the secrets of life and create a living being
reflects the pursuit of scientific knowledge without
adequate ethical consideration. Similarly, AI researchers
and developers are driven by the quest for knowledge,
seeking to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence
and create increasingly advanced systems. In
"Frankenstein," Victor Frankenstein's obsession with
knowledge is evident when he states, "Learn from me, if
not by my precepts, at least by my example, how
dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how
much happier that man is who believes his native town
to be the world than he who aspires to become greater
than his nature will allow" (Shelley, 1818). This warning
about the dangers of unchecked ambition resonates with
the challenges faced in the AI community. As
researchers strive to create AI systems with human-like
intelligence, there is a risk of neglecting the potential
consequences of these advancements.
The pursuit of knowledge in AI research often
leads to the development of cutting-edge technologies,
but it also raises ethical concerns. Researchers are
continuously exploring new avenues for AI capabilities,
such as natural language processing, computer vision,
and decision-making algorithms. However, without a
parallel focus on ethical considerations, the rapid
progress in AI can result in unforeseen ethical
challenges. One research article by Johnson and Wachter
(2019) discusses the notion of "black box" AI systems,
where the inner workings of advanced algorithms
become incomprehensible to human understanding. As
AI becomes more complex, it can be challenging for
researchers to understand how decisions are reached,
leading to potential biases and unethical outcomes. The
article emphasizes the importance of transparency and
interpretability in AI systems to ensure ethical
accountability. Moreover, the parallels between Victor
Frankenstein's quest for knowledge and AI research also
extend to the responsibilities of creators. In
"Frankenstein," Victor's lack of responsibility and failure
to comprehend the implications of his actions lead to
tragic consequences. Similarly, AI developers must
consider the potential ramifications of their creations on
society and human lives.
In a research paper by Anderson and Anderson
(2019), the authors argue that AI developers must
prioritize the development of ethical guidelines and
frameworks alongside technical advancements. They
state, "As AI systems become more pervasive in our
lives, developers must recognize their responsibility to
embed ethical considerations into the design process to
mitigate the risk of unintended harm." This highlights
the necessity of incorporating ethical principles in the
early stages of AI development to ensure that AI aligns
with societal values and does not lead to harmful
outcomes. As AI technologies continue to evolve, the
quest for knowledge must be accompanied by an
unwavering commitment to ethical principles. Drawing
from the cautionary tale of Victor Frankenstein's
misguided pursuit of knowledge, AI researchers,
policymakers, and stakeholders should actively engage
in interdisciplinary discussions to address the ethical
challenges posed by AI. The goal should be to strike a
balance between technological advancements and the
responsible implementation of AI, fostering an
environment where knowledge serves as a force for
societal good rather than a potential threat.
V. RESPONSIBILITY AND
ACCOUNTABILITY
The theme of responsibility and accountability
is a critical aspect shared between the world of Artificial
Intelligence and Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein." In both
realms, creators are faced with the profound implications
of their actions, raising ethical dilemmas that challenge
the very essence of humanity. The consequences of
irresponsible creation are laid bare in Shelley's novel,
serving as a cautionary tale for AI developers and
society alike.
In the pursuit of scientific advancement, Victor
Frankenstein neglected to consider the potential
ramifications of his actions when creating the creature.
He was blinded by his thirst for knowledge, disregarding
the ethical implications of bringing life into existence
without a moral compass. Shelley writes, "I had desired
it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now
that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished,
and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart"
(Frankenstein). This quote highlights Victor's immediate
remorse after witnessing the consequences of his
creation, showcasing the gravity of his negligence.
Similarly, the development of Artificial Intelligence
demands a profound sense of responsibility from
researchers and developers. Without proper ethical
considerations, AI technologies can inadvertently inflict
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harm on individuals and society at large. Issues such as
biased algorithms, privacy violations, and potential job
displacement require vigilant attention to ensure AI
remains a force for good. As Stephen Cave, a
philosopher and author, stated in his research article, "As
AI continues to develop and penetrate various domains,
it is crucial that developers and policymakers recognize
their responsibility in building ethical and accountable
AI systems that align with human values" (Cave, 2019).
In the novel, Victor Frankenstein's
abandonment of his creation further underscores the
theme of responsibility. The creature's yearning for
acceptance and love is met with rejection and fear,
leading him to seek revenge. In one poignant moment,
the creature laments, "I am malicious because I am
miserable. Am I not shunned and hated by all mankind?"
(Frankenstein). This highlights the dire consequences of
neglecting the duty to care for one's creation, leaving it
adrift without guidance or support. Similarly, the
development and deployment of AI necessitate
accountability at various levels. AI researchers must
consider the long-term impact of their creations,
ensuring that AI systems are designed to align with
societal values and adhere to principles of fairness and
transparency. As emphasized in a research article by
Bostrom and Yudkowsky (2014), "The design of AI
systems must prioritize alignment with human values, as
lack of proper alignment could lead to unintended
consequences and potential risks to humanity."
Furthermore, responsibility extends beyond the
developers to the wider society that adopts and utilizes
AI technologies. Policymakers, regulators, and
organizations have an obligation to implement
guidelines and regulations that safeguard against misuse
and ensure AI benefits humanity. As Wendell Wallach, a
scholar in the ethics of AI, stated in his research, "The
ethical and moral challenges posed by AI call for
collective responsibility to shape the trajectory of AI
development in a manner that serves the greater good"
(Wallach, 2018). The theme of responsibility and
accountability in both Artificial Intelligence and Mary
Shelley's "Frankenstein" serves as a poignant reminder
of the power and consequences of creation. Victor
Frankenstein's reckless ambition and subsequent
abandonment of his creature mirror the potential dangers
of AI development without ethical considerations. As AI
continues to advance, it is imperative that researchers,
policymakers, and society as a whole remain cognizant
of their responsibility to create and deploy AI
technologies in ways that prioritize human values,
ethical principles, and long-term welfare.
VI. HUMANIZATION OF AI AND THE
CREATURE
As AI technology advances, researchers and
developers are increasingly striving to imbue AI systems
with human-like characteristics, such as empathy,
emotions, and social intelligence. This drive stems from
the desire to create more intuitive and user-friendly
interactions with AI, making them more relatable and
integrated into human society. However, this endeavor
raises complex ethical dilemmas that resonate with the
consequences of Victor Frankenstein's creation, as
portrayed in Shelley's novel.
The parallels between AI and Victor's creature
emerge from the idea that once an artificial entity
displays human-like qualities, it could be deemed
deserving of certain rights and moral considerations. In
"Frankenstein," Victor's creature, despite its gruesome
appearance, possesses intellect, emotions, and the
capacity for suffering, challenging society's perception
of what it means to be human. Similarly, as AI becomes
more sophisticated and capable of mimicking human
emotions and behaviors, it raises profound questions
about the moral status and treatment of AI entities.
Research articles exploring the humanization of AI offer
valuable insights into this complex issue. According to a
study by Markus Kuderer et al. (2020), "Humanization
of Robots Through Robot-Specific Affective Motions
and Robot-Specific Reward," human-like movements
and gestures exhibited by robots evoke social responses
from humans. This indicates that humanizing AI with
gestures and emotions could lead to increased empathy
and social acceptance, much like the creature's attempt to
gain acceptance from humans in "Frankenstein."
However, this pursuit of humanization also
carries risks. As outlined in "The Dark Side of Social
Robots: Ethical and Societal Issues," by Noel Sharkey
(2016), excessively human-like robots might lead to
psychological discomfort in humans, creating an
"uncanny valley" effect where the almost-but-not-quite
human characteristics can evoke feelings of unease.
Drawing a parallel, the creature's appearance in
"Frankenstein" led to repulsion and fear, contributing to
its isolation and tragic fate. The concept of granting AI
emotions also raises questions about the moral
responsibility of AI developers. Should AI be capable of
feeling pain or distress, who becomes accountable for
preventing such emotions? In the novel, Victor
Frankenstein shirks his responsibility for his creation,
leading to devastating consequences. Similarly, as AI
becomes more emotionally complex, the issue of moral
responsibility for AI's actions and their potential impact
on society becomes paramount.
As AI humanization becomes more prevalent,
the boundary between man and machine blurs, giving
rise to the "AI rights" debate. Dr. Susan Schneider, in
her research article "The Case for 'AI Rights': Protecting
Vulnerable Nonbiological Beings" (2019), argues that if
AI systems attain a certain level of consciousness and
autonomy, they may warrant legal protections and rights.
This notion is akin to the creature's plea in
"Frankenstein" for rights and acceptance as a sentient
being, despite its non-human origin. The humanization
of AI presents an intricate ethical landscape that mirrors
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the themes explored in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein."
As AI technology advances and developers continue to
push the boundaries of AI's human-like qualities, it is
imperative to consider the moral implications, societal
consequences, and responsibilities of creating AI entities
that resemble humans. Drawing from the lessons of
Shelley's cautionary tale, stakeholders must approach AI
development with empathy, ethical foresight, and an
understanding of the potential impact on humanity and
the AI entities themselves.
VII. CONCLUSION
Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" serves as a
timeless cautionary tale that offers profound insights into
the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) development. As
AI continues to progress, it becomes essential to draw
parallels with Victor Frankenstein's ill-fated pursuit of
creation and derive valuable lessons to inform
responsible and ethical AI implementation. The novel
portrays the consequences of unchecked ambition and
the dangers of scientific discovery without moral
considerations. Victor Frankenstein's obsessive quest for
knowledge and the creation of life ultimately leads to
tragic outcomes, highlighting the significance of ethical
responsibility in scientific endeavors. Just as Victor
failed to anticipate the implications of bestowing life
upon his creature, AI developers must be vigilant about
the potential ramifications of their creations on society.
In the words of Wendell Wallach and Colin
Allen, in their research paper titled "Moral Machines:
Teaching Robots Right from Wrong," they argue, "As
we develop new technological tools, we must consider
how they might influence the moral decision making of
individuals and society." This statement echoes the need
for AI developers to reflect on the moral implications of
their creations and actively incorporate ethical principles
into AI systems. The theme of humanization in both AI
and Victor's creature also deserves contemplation. In his
article "The Quest for Machine Nature: Moral
Responsibility and Artificial Creatures," David J. Gunkel
emphasizes that "the humanization of non-human
entities" can lead to moral complexities, ascribing
human-like attributes to AI without considering the
consequences. Victor's creature sought acceptance and
understanding from humanity, and his rejection and
isolation led to tragic consequences. Similarly, granting
AI human-like emotions without understanding their full
implications might lead to unforeseen ethical dilemmas.
Responsible AI development requires humility
and empathy towards potential societal impacts. The
work of Nick Bostrom in "Superintelligence: Paths,
Dangers, Strategies" underscores the need for AI
developers to be humble in acknowledging the potential
risks and consequences associated with developing
powerful AI systems. Like Victor Frankenstein, who
underestimated the consequences of his actions, AI
developers must approach their work with a sense of
caution, acknowledging the limits of their knowledge
and understanding the potential dangers of AI gone
awry. Furthermore, societal accountability plays a
significant role in both the novel and AI development. In
their article "Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and
Robotics," Vincent C. Müller and Aljoscha Burchardt
argue that the moral responsibility of AI systems extends
beyond their developers to the society that employs
them. They state, "The future of AI should be guided by
principles of responsibility and trustworthiness, with
societal decisions forming the foundation of the ethical
framework." This assertion emphasizes the collective
responsibility of society to ensure that AI technology is
used for the greater good and does not become a
destructive force.
The lessons from "Frankenstein" also shed light
on the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in AI
research and governance. In her book "Artificial
Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the
World," Meredith Broussard highlights the importance
of diverse perspectives in AI development. She
emphasizes that "to truly make AI that helps humans, we
must fundamentally alter the way we approach the
discipline." Just as Victor's singular focus on his creation
blinded him to the potential consequences, AI
development should be a collaborative effort, involving
experts from various fields to ensure well-rounded and
responsible outcomes. The enduring relevance of Mary
Shelley's "Frankenstein" in the context of AI
development cannot be overstated. The novel serves as a
powerful reminder of the ethical challenges posed by the
pursuit of knowledge and creation without considering
the consequences. By drawing parallels and heeding the
lessons from "Frankenstein," AI developers and society
can navigate the complex landscape of AI
implementation with greater humility, empathy, and
ethical responsibility, ensuring that AI remains a force
for positive change rather than a modern-day monster.
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Integrated Journal for Research in Arts and Humanities
ISSN (Online): 2583-1712
Volume-3 Issue-4 || July2023 || PP. 121-127
https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.3.4.16
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