Ethical considerations for the future of superhuman artificial intelligence: A viewpoint

Abstract

This viewpoint discusses a timely and important issue by examining the ethical implications toward our use of and engagement with artificial intelligence (AI) now, and in a time when AI achieves superhuman intelligence. We examine what it means to be intelligent, cognitive, and sentient, and discuss the ethical implications surrounding the (mis)treatment of sentient and cognitive beings. We then delve into the implications surrounding the ethical and moral obligations toward AI. This viewpoint provides thought-provoking areas for future research in the fields of ethics and AI and concludes with a call for introspection into how we treat sentient beings.