Discuss how engineers need to evaluate their ethical responsibilities (based on ASCE Code of Ethics) as they determine whether or how to use AI to aid in their work.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Title: Evaluating Ethical Responsibilities: Engineers and the Use of AI in Their Work
Introduction:
In today’s technologically driven world, artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prevalent in various fields, including engineering. As engineers harness the power of AI to enhance their work, it is crucial for them to evaluate their ethical responsibilities. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Code of Ethics provides a framework for engineers to navigate the ethical challenges presented by AI. This essay examines the ethical responsibilities that engineers must consider as they determine whether and how to incorporate AI into their work, drawing insights from the ASCE Code of Ethics.
Thesis Statement:
Engineers must carefully assess their ethical responsibilities, guided by the ASCE Code of Ethics, when considering the use of AI in their work, ensuring that its implementation aligns with principles of safety, equity, transparency, and accountability.
Body:
I. Ensuring Safety and Reliability:
Engineers have an ethical responsibility to prioritize safety when incorporating AI into their work. According to the ASCE Code of Ethics, engineers must “hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.” When utilizing AI technologies, engineers must thoroughly assess potential risks, conduct rigorous testing, and ensure that AI systems are reliable and capable of making accurate decisions. Ethical evaluation should include considerations such as system vulnerabilities, potential biases, and unintended consequences to prevent harm to individuals or society as a whole.
II. Upholding Equity and Fairness:
Engineers must also consider the ethical implications of AI systems on equity and fairness. The ASCE Code of Ethics emphasizes treating all individuals fairly and without bias. AI algorithms can inadvertently perpetuate existing biases if not developed and implemented with care. Engineers need to evaluate the data used to train AI models, identify potential biases, and take steps to mitigate them. Additionally, transparency in the decision-making process can help ensure fairness and enable individuals impacted by AI systems to understand how decisions are made.
III. Fostering Transparency and Accountability:
Transparency and accountability are fundamental principles that engineers must uphold when incorporating AI into their work. The ASCE Code of Ethics requires engineers to “act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.” Engineers should ensure that AI systems are transparently designed, meaning that the decision-making process is explainable and understandable to stakeholders. Additionally, mechanisms for accountability should be established to address potential errors or misuses of AI technology. This may involve regular audits, monitoring systems, or establishing clear channels for reporting concerns.
IV. Continuous Professional Development:
Lastly, engineers have an ethical responsibility to engage in continuous professional development regarding AI technologies. The rapid advancements in AI require engineers to stay informed about evolving best practices, emerging ethical challenges, and legal frameworks related to AI implementation. By actively seeking knowledge and participating in ongoing education programs, engineers can ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and ethical awareness to make informed decisions regarding AI.
Conclusion:
As engineers integrate AI into their work, it is vital for them to evaluate their ethical responsibilities. Guided by the ASCE Code of Ethics, engineers must prioritize safety, uphold equity and fairness, foster transparency and accountability, and engage in continuous professional development. By adhering to these ethical principles, engineers can effectively navigate the complexities of AI implementation while ensuring that its use benefits society as a whole.
