Typology: Article
Language: English
Date: 2024
Anthropomorphism in AI: Hype and Fallacy
Theme: Ethics
Author: Adriana Placani
Keywords: AI; Anthropomorphism; Ethics; Moral judgment; Fallacy; Hype.
This essay focuses on anthropomorphism as both a form of hype and fallacy. As a form of hype, anthropomorphism is shown to exaggerate AI capabilities and performance by attributing human-like traits to systems that do not possess them. As a fallacy, anthropomorphism is shown to distort moral judgments about AI, such as those concerning its moral character and status, as well as judgments of responsibility and trust. By focusing on these two dimensions of anthropomorphism in AI, the essay highlights negative ethical consequences of the phenomenon in this field.
Placani, A. (2024). Anthropomorphism in AI: Hype and Fallacy. AI and Ethics, 1-9. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43681-024-00419-4
