Heinz von Foerster's Ethical imperative
Heinz von Foerster (1911–2002) was an Austrian-American physicist and philosopher who is widely recognized as one of the founders of cybernetics, a transdisciplinary approach that studies regulatory systems, their structures, constraints, and possibilities. One of von Foerster's significant contributions to the field involves his assertion of an ethical imperative in the context of cybernetics, resonating through the philosophical dimensions of artificial intelligence (AI), systems theory, and human responsibility.
Background: Cybernetics and Ethics
Within the realm of cybernetics and systems theory, ethics traditionally had not been a primary focus; the field was more concerned with the functioning and control mechanisms of systems. However, von Foerster argued that those designing or engaging with systems cannot be separated from the ethical implications of their use and function.
Heinz von Foerster's Ethical Imperative
The ethical imperative that Heinz von Foerster famously formulated and is often quoted is:
- "Act always so as to increase the number of choices."[1]
This imperative has profound implications touching upon the fundamentals of human freedom, autonomy, and the role of AI.
Interpretation
Von Foerster's ethical imperative is deeply connected to his constructivist approach, which posits that reality is constructed by individuals interacting within their environment. By advocating for an increase in choices, von Foerster emphasizes the enhancement of possibilities for individuals to construct their realities, promoting autonomy and the avoidance of imposing restrictions that could lead to deterministic or reductionist scenarios.
Relevance to Artificial Intelligence
In AI, von Foerster's imperative can be seen as a call for the development of technologies that empower users rather than constrain them. It stresses the importance of creating AI systems that are transparent, understandable, and that offer users meaningful control over their outcomes.
Contemporary Implications
The imperative still resonates in current discussions surrounding AI ethics, particularly in the debates over algorithmic transparency, user agency, and the role of AI in society.
Algorithmic Transparency
AI systems are becoming increasingly complex, and with complexity comes the risk of reducing the number of choices available to individuals—either through lack of understanding or by the creation of algorithmic ‘black boxes’. Von Foerster's imperative highlights the importance of transparency to ensure that individuals can have informed control over AI-mediated decisions.
User Agency
AI should be designed to expand human capabilities and choices, not replace them. This aligns with human-in-the-loop (HITL) approaches and emphasizes user agency within AI systems.
Social and Political Freedom
By implicating the number of choices as a metric for ethical action, von Foerster indirectly refers to the concept of social and political freedom. Systems that favor openness, democracy, and participation can be seen as manifestations of this ethical approach.
Conclusion
Heinz von Foerster's ethical imperative serves as a foundational principle in the intersection of cybernetics, AI, and ethics. It challenges designers, developers, and users of AI to reflect deeply on the implications of their work and to strive toward the expansion of human capacities and the democratization of choices.
- ↑ von Foerster, H. (1984). On Constructing a Reality. In F.E. Preiser (ed.), Environmental Design Research, Vol. 2, Stroudberg, PA: Dowden, Hutchinson & Ross.