AI Ethics: Introduction to Practical Ethics

Illustration by [Johnny Lighthands](https://www.johnnylighthands.co.uk))

Chapter Outline

• Introduction to Metaethics
• Introduction to Normative Ethical Theories

Chapter Summary

This chapter introduces the basic theoretical building blocks for learning AI ethics. We start with a brief metaethical motivation, looking at different positions in metaethics and reflecting on how these affect the way we do practical ethics. Additionally, we will delve into the some of the main normative theories in practical ethics: consequentialist theories, deontological theories, virtue ethics, and biocentric ethics. These concepts will be useful to paint the ethical landscape against which the sub-field of AI (practical) ethics has developed.

Learning Objectives

In this chapter, you will:

• Learn what practical ethics is.
• Familiarise yourself with the main positions in metaethics, as well as learn about why we favour a procedural approach to ethics.
• Learn about some of the main normative ethical theories: consequentialist theories, deontological theories, virtue ethics, and biocentric ethics.
• Reflect on how these concepts in practical ethics create the wider ethical landscape on which AI ethics develops.