An insurance company develops an artificial intelligence (Al) system to manage claims automatically. Although this technology benefits most customers, people from neighborhoods associated with a low socioeconomic status find it harder to get their claims approved. The company decides to keep using the system. Which ethical theory justifies the company to come to this decision?
A.
Pluralism
B.
Utilitarianism
C.
Virtue ethics
D.
Deontology
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The decision made by the insurance company aligns with utilitarianism, an ethical theory that evaluates actions based on their overall consequences and aims to maximize happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people. Why Utilitarianism? The company continues using the AI system because it benefits the majority of customers, even though it negatively affects a marginalized group. Utilitarianism, as defined by Jeremy Bentham and later refined by John Stuart Mill, prioritizes actions that generate the most favorable outcomes for the largest number of individuals. Since the AI system increases efficiency and improves claim processing for most customers, the company may justify its use under "the greatest happiness principle." However, utilitarianism can be criticized for neglecting minority groups if their suffering is outweighed by the benefits to the majority, as seen in this case. Why Not the Other Theories? A . Pluralism: Pluralism acknowledges multiple moral values but does not necessarily justify sacrificing fairness for efficiency. The company’s decision does not reflect a commitment to balancing competing moral principles. C . Virtue Ethics: Virtue ethics, based on Aristotle’s philosophy, emphasizes moral character and virtues such as justice and fairness. A company operating under virtue ethics would likely strive to ensure fairness for all customers rather than prioritizing overall utility. D . Deontology: Deontology, rooted in Immanuel Kant's philosophy, focuses on duty, rights, and moral rules. A deontologist would argue that it is unethical to use a system that discriminates against certain groups, even if it benefits the majority. Thus, the correct ethical framework that justifies the company's decision is utilitarianism because it prioritizes the greater good, even at the expense of fairness for a smaller group. Reference in Ethics in Technology: Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. London: Parker, Son, and Bourn. Bentham, J. (1789). An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. Oxford: Clarendon Press. Floridi, L. (2013). The Ethics of Information. Oxford University Press. Binns, R. (2018). "Fairness in Machine Learning: Lessons from Political Philosophy." Proceedings of the 2018 Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency (FAT).