Christian Hugo Hoffmann of House of Lab Science AG and Frederik F. Flöther of QuantumBasel argue that businesses must consider the ethical implications of adopting quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies or Quantum Ethics. They highlight the need for awareness among executives and managers about the broader ethical questions raised by these emerging technologies. The authors suggest that quantum computing and AI can enhance information processing and offer new insights, but also raise ethical issues that need to be addressed promptly. They call for a combination of philosophical arguments and business considerations in the analysis of quantum AI ethics.
“As a positive example, it may be argued that powerful new technologies which can be used for scientific breakthroughs should be available to many practitioners so that the chances of such breakthroughs are higher and so that people across the world can benefit. As a negative example, it may be argued that biased algorithms which discriminate need to be avoided, for instance to prevent the unjust rejection of a credit application.”
Christian Hugo Hoffmann and Frederik F. Flöther
Introduction to Quantum and AI Technology Ethics
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing are emerging technologies that have the potential to revolutionize various sectors. However, the ethical implications of these technologies are often overlooked. This article, authored by Christian Hugo Hoffmann from House of Lab Science AG, Centre for Ethics of the University of Zurich, and Frederik F. Flöther from QuantumBasel, highlights the importance of ethical considerations in the adoption of these technologies. Titled: Why Business Adoption of Quantum and AI Technology Must Be Ethical, the publication appeared on ArXiv.
The Positive and Negative Dimensions of Technology Ethics
Technology ethics, a branch of moral philosophy, encompasses both positive and negative dimensions. On the positive side, it advocates for the widespread availability of powerful new technologies that can lead to scientific breakthroughs, benefiting people worldwide. On the negative side, it emphasizes the need to avoid biased algorithms that can lead to discrimination, such as unjust rejection of credit applications.
Despite the general agreement on the importance of technology ethics, concrete measures for ethics concerning AI and quantum technology are yet to be established in most organizations. These fields are often considered together as they involve methods to enhance information processing, allowing for more efficient insights. There is also a symbiosis emerging as quantum computing is being explored to improve machine learning, and AI approaches are being used to reduce the noise in today’s quantum computers.
The Transformative Potential of Quantum Computing
The discussion of quantum technology in this article primarily focuses on quantum computing, which arguably has the greatest transformative potential. Other quantum technologies, such as quantum communication and sensing, are also being researched. Additionally, “first-generation” quantum technologies like lasers, solid-state electronics, and superconductors are already widely commercialized in many countries.
The Urgency of Addressing Ethical Questions
Given the rapid progression of these technologies, it is crucial to address ethical questions sooner rather than later. The key question pursued in this article is: What are the main arguments for executives, managers, and practitioners to take quantum and AI ethics seriously?
The Current State of AI and Quantum Technology Ethics Research
AI ethics has been explored to some extent, including perspectives highlighting the challenges of effectively implementing AI ethics. However, quantum technology ethics are only starting to come into focus now. There is a lack of analysis that combines philosophical arguments and rigor with business considerations. This article aims to address this gap by presenting six key arguments as to why businesspersons must take quantum AI ethics seriously.
“Given the speed at which these technologies have been progressing, it is critical to address ethical questions sooner rather than later. Hence, the key guiding question pursued here is: What are the main arguments for executives, managers, and practitioners to take quantum and AI ethics seriously?”
Christian Hugo Hoffmann and Frederik F. Flöther
Summary
Quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly advancing technologies that raise significant ethical questions, which are not yet fully appreciated or addressed by most organisations. Business leaders must take these ethical considerations seriously, as these technologies can greatly impact strategic decisions and have broader societal implications.
- The article discusses the ethical implications of adopting quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) in businesses. The authors, Christian Hugo Hoffmann from House of Lab Science AG and Frederik F. Flöther from QuantumBasel, argue that these technologies should be used responsibly.
- The authors highlight the lack of awareness among executives and managers about the ethical questions raised by these emerging technologies. They stress the need for concrete measures to address these issues.
- The article suggests that quantum computing and AI can enhance information processing and provide new insights more efficiently. However, they also raise ethical concerns, such as the potential for biased algorithms that could lead to discrimination.
- The authors argue that given the rapid progression of these technologies, it is crucial to address ethical questions sooner rather than later. They present six key arguments for why businesspersons must take quantum AI ethics seriously.
- The article also notes that while AI ethics has been explored to some extent, the ethics of quantum technology are only just beginning to come into focus.
“AI ethics has already been explored to a degree, including perspectives highlighting the challenges of effectively implementing AI ethics. Quantum technology ethics, on the other hand, are only starting to come into focus now. There is a lack of analysis which combines philosophical arguments and rigor with business considerations.”
Christian Hugo Hoffmann and Frederik F. Flöther
