KOGLIST:re:Carl Sagan in PARADE and Ethics & AI

Date: Wed, 1 Dec 1993 12:36:47 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Ethics in Computing <ETHICS-L(a)uga.cc.uga.edu> Sender: Discussion of Ethics in Computing <ETHICS-L(a)uga.cc.uga.edu> Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS(a)AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU From: James Salsman <bovik(a)EECS.NWU.EDU> Organization: BRI Subject: Carl Sagan in PARADE and Ethics & AI To: Multiple recipients of list ETHICS-L <ETHICS-L(a)uga.cc.uga.edu> Status: U Any thoughts on the article in last Sunday's (28 November '93) _PARADE_ magazine by Carl Sagan on game theory and ethics? It was a pretty basic treatment, of course (for those outside the USA, _PARADE_ is a national Sunday newspaper supplement written at about the 8th grade level.) However, the rational sciences are beginning to claim ethical authority in the mass media in competition with religious authorities. In a related vein, I think it is important to re-post this here: Newsgroups: sci.cognitive From: khan(a)itd.itd.nrl.navy.mil (Umar Khan) Subject: [CFP] Ethical Reasoning Message-ID: <CGt2y4.F5p(a)ra.nrl.navy.mil> Organization: Information Technology Division, Naval Research Laboratory Date: Sat, 20 Nov 1993 19:46:51 GMT Lines: 57 CALL FOR PARTICIPATION Workshop on Ethical Reasoning in Artifical Intelligence (in conjunction with FLAIRS-94) Pensacola Beach, Florida May 4, 1994 The purpose of this workshop is to bring together active researchers and scholars in the area of Ethical reasoning. Ethical reasoning is an emer- ging field with foundations in Computer Science, Cognitive Psychology, & Philosophy. The field encompasses at least two perspectives: (a) those who seek to model the cognitive processes of human beings who interact in ethical situations, and (b) those who seek to enhance the integrity of autonomous learning automata which might be employed in do- mains effecting the lives, health, and well being of humans. Computational approaches to ethics include the published works of the Mathematician George David Birkhoff who sought the unification of logic, aesthetics, and ethics as well as the work of the theoretical Psychologist Vladimir Lefebvre, who developed an algebra of 'reflexive polynomials.' Contributions to the further understanding of ethical reasoning may also be found in the areas of Scholastic Ethics (often taught as sylogisms), Economics theories of fairness or equity in micropolicy as well as in a study of the Law. In addition, the issue of ethics and automation has been much dealt with in fiction and science fiction. Contributions from other fields are encouraged and will be considered on a case by case basis. Through paper presentations and discussions, the participants will exchange, compare, and contrast approaches and results in the area. The format will provide ample time for discussions and exchange of ideas. To maximize par- ticipation, the size of the workshop will be limited. Accepted papers will be invited for full presentation or poster presentation. The workshop is planned as a one-day event to immediately preceed the 1994 Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Symposium (FLAIRS-94). Workshop participants are encouraged to also submit papers to FLAIRS-94 and to attend the symposium. The workshop registration fee will be waived for those participants who also register for FLAIRS-94. All submissions must be post-marked by 31 December, 1993. Notification of acceptance or rejection will be sent to the first author (or designated author) by 1 February, 1994. Prospective participants should submit five (5) copies of a 5-10 page extended abstract to: Umar Khan, US Department of Treasury, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), Office of Systems Integration, Artificial Intelligence Division, 2070 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna, Virginia 22182. For further information and future announcements, contact Umar Khan by e-mail at khan(a)itd.nrl.navy.mil or by telephone at (703) 905- 0718. ORGANIZATION Ethical Reasoning Workshop Chair: Umar Khan, FinCEN (US Treasury) FLAIRS-94 Conference General Chairs: Alberto Canas, University of West Florida David Kuncicky, Florida State University FLAIRS-94 Workshop Liaison: Ken Ford, University of West Florida ----- :jps