Seeking Nonhuman Advice: Ancient and Modern

Abstract

As we integrate artificial intelligence-enabled software [AI software] into society, we are uncertain how to ensure its capability and use will be ethical. This article advocates for the idea that the best way to keep AI software ethical is to build, use and maintain it in full view of a debating public. Such debate necessitates the establishment of a freely available foundation from which both open debate and stable implementations are derived. We suggest the creation of Public Domain AI Software [PDAIS] to standardize and vet AI implementations intended for use on the general public. Ancient and modern historical examples are used to elucidate the premise that only free and open AI software can be ethical.