Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Computational or machine ethics examines how morality could be implemented in machines and represented computationally. In the cognitive sciences, different architectures (rule-based and connectionist) have been proposed. Nevertheless, such approaches have limitations when incorporating ethical claims. With the rise of artificial intelligence, new ways of simulating moral expertise seem possible, where chatbots can serve as dialogue partners for moral orientation. However, as I will argue, such systems lack a theoretical grounding in metaethics, as do the former approaches. In order to align such systems ethically and ground them conceptually, a topography of moral competence must be developed. By outlining this topography, I will show some directions for further research and how such systems might enhance us morally.
Source: Science and Engineering Ethics
Author: Florian Richter
Institution: Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt
Language: English
Subfield: Artificial Intelligence
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
OpenAlex ID: W7223220716