The future is artificial, but ethical decisions remain human

The future is artificial, but ethical decisions remain human

The future is artificial, but ethical decisions remain human
While the future may be artificial, our ethical decisions remain very much human. (Shutterstock photo)
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In a world where artificial intelligence is poised to rule our lives, one man stands at the intersection of technological advancement and ethical oversight: Mr. Gus.

With a flair for irony and a heart of gold (somewhere beneath the layers of skepticism), Gus is on a mission to restore dignity to our historical sites and water caves — places that have suffered under the relentless assault of plastic and human negligence.

As Techville embraces its reputation as a hub of innovation, it is hard to ignore the plastic pollution that silently chokes our beloved natural wonders. Socrates McHipster, a local philosopher, once said: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Yet, in Techville, it seems the unexamined rubbish is here to stay. Gus, a self-proclaimed environmentalist with a PhD in sarcasm from the University of Everyday Life, has taken it upon himself to lead the charge against this growing crisis.

“You’d think with all the AI we have, we could program people to not throw their trash everywhere,” Gus mused, surveying the remnants of last weekend’s picnic at Crystal Water Cave. “But here we are, drowning in a sea of plastic straws and forgotten snack wrappers, like a bad dream brought to life by a malfunctioning AI.”

As AI continues to revolutionize industries from healthcare to dog grooming, it raises a compelling question: Can AI teach us ethical behavior? Perhaps a robotic conscience could be the answer. Picture this: an AI system programmed to chastise litterbugs, reminding them of their moral obligations with an eerie yet oddly endearing voice.

“Hey, buddy, did you really think that chip bag belonged in the cave?” the AI could say, followed by an awkward silence, a pause for reflection, and maybe a robotic sigh. Ah, ethics in the age of machines.

But as we know, the irony of our digital age is that while technology advances, human behavior often lags behind. The ancient philosopher Aristotle wisely declared: “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” In Techville, knowing yourself seems to include knowing which trash can is closest — often leading to the conclusion that “the nearest bush” is an acceptable disposal method.

Gus, armed with a recycled clipboard and an unyielding spirit, has assembled a motley crew of fellow Techville residents, including techies, environmentalists, and those who just really love wearing matching T-shirts. Together, they’re committed to cleaning up their city, but not without a good dose of irony.

“Some say we should harness AI to manage waste,” Gus said while deftly dodging a half-buried plastic bottle at the cave entrance. “But I’d settle for teaching people to manage their own waste first. Maybe AI can help us learn to remember basic concepts like ‘don’t litter’ and ‘we don’t live in a dumpster.’”

As AI continues to revolutionize industries from healthcare to dog grooming, it raises a compelling question: Can AI teach us ethical behavior?

Rafael Hernandez de Santiago

His team, known as “The Green Guardians of Techville,” have made it their mission to not only clean up but also educate the community on ethical behavior in our increasingly plastic-laden society. They’ve even created a catchy slogan: “Trash it, and you’ll crash it!”

As the Guardians tackle the plastic plague, they often find themselves reflecting on history. Techville, known for its innovation, is also home to historical sites that deserve better than to be adorned with plastic. “It’s like putting a clown wig on the Mona Lisa,” Gus said. “You wouldn’t do that to a masterpiece, so why do it to our natural wonders?”

Philosopher Immanuel Kant once stated: “Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law.” If only everyone could adopt this principle when reaching for a snack. If we all acted with the consideration that our actions have broader implications, perhaps Gus wouldn’t have to remind us that a water cave is not a rubbish bin.

Yet, as Gus and his crew dive into the depths of this ethical quagmire, they encounter the undeniable truth: the challenge is not simply to remove the rubbish; it’s to address the human condition itself. The ethical conundrum isn’t just about plastic, it’s about our capacity for change.

“Maybe we need AI to give us the moral pep talk we’ve been avoiding,” Gus mused. “Something like, ‘Hey, remember that time you threw your trash on the ground? How did that work out for you?’”

As Techville prepares for the upcoming “Clean Up the Cave” event, Mr. Gus reminds us that while technology can help, it’s ultimately our responsibility to change. “AI might be the future,” he said, “but the real question is: Are we ready to evolve alongside it?”

With a wink and a wave, he added: “Now if only we could program it to make a decent cup of coffee while we ponder our ethical dilemmas.”

In a city grappling with its own contradictions, Mr. Gus stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that while the future may be artificial, our ethical decisions remain very much human. And as we look ahead, perhaps we’ll find that it’s not just about cleaning up our caves, but also cleaning up our act.

Rafael Hernandez de Santiago, viscount of Espes, is a Spanish national residing in Saudi Arabia and working at the Gulf Research Center.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

US says Israel to open new Gaza crossing as aid deadline looms

US says Israel to open new Gaza crossing as aid deadline looms
Updated 1 min 57 sec ago
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US says Israel to open new Gaza crossing as aid deadline looms

US says Israel to open new Gaza crossing as aid deadline looms
Israel has informed the United States that it will open an additional crossing for aid into Gaza, the State Department said Thursday, as a US-imposed deadline looms next week.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have given Israel until November 13 to improve the humanitarian situation in the war-besieged Gaza Strip or risk the withholding of some military assistance from the United States, Israel’s biggest supporter.
They made the demands in a letter before Tuesday’s election of President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to give freer rein to Israel.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said that Israel, after recently reopening the Erez crossing, has informed the United States that they “hope to open an additional new crossing at Kissufim” in “the next few days.”
“We have continued to press them, and we have seen them, including in the past few days since the election, take additional steps,” Miller told reporters.
He stopped short of saying how the United States would assess Israel’s compliance with the aid demands.
In the letter, Blinken and Austin had urged Israel to “consistently” let aid through four major crossings and to open a fifth crossing.
Kissufim, near a kibbutz across from southern Gaza that was attacked in the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault that sparked the war, has mostly been in disuse except by the military since Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005.
The letter called for a minimum of 350 trucks per day to be allowed into Gaza. Miller said 229 trucks entered on Tuesday.
Outgoing President Joe Biden has repeatedly pressed Israel to improve humanitarian aid and protect civilians, while mostly stopping short of using leverage such as cutting off weapons.
Miller said Blinken hoped to keep using the rest of his term to press for an end to the wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

International expert highlights the importance of safety measures to prevent fires in cities

International expert highlights the importance of safety measures to prevent fires in cities
Updated 3 min 55 sec ago
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International expert highlights the importance of safety measures to prevent fires in cities

International expert highlights the importance of safety measures to prevent fires in cities
  • International experts and other officials from more than 24 countries participated in the conference held in Riyadh from Nov. 3-7

RIYADH: A fire safety and occupational health expert said that neglecting safety precautions and preventive measures is one of the leading causes of fires.

Jiff Dulin, a strategic adviser at the International Association of Fire Chiefs, shared his insights at the 4th International Fire Operations Conference, held in Riyadh from Nov. 3-7.

International experts and other officials from more than 24 countries participated in the conference, which focused on the latest developments in firefighting and crisis management. 

International experts and other officials from more than 24 countries participated in the conference. (X: @IFOC_Riyadh)

The conference was organized by the General Directorate of Civil Defense in collaboration with Saudi Aramco and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. 

Dulin urged city planners to consider safety rules and standards that help reduce the occurrence and impact of fires, as well as to enhance preparedness for crisis management through training and advance planning.

He also called for the continuation of specialized conferences and exhibitions focused on firefighting equipment and studies, emphasizing their role in exchanging experiences and enhancing the capabilities of firefighting and civil protection agencies.

Col. Mohammed Al-Hammadi, spokesperson for the Saudi Civil Defense, has stated that the directorate pays more attention to proactive preparedness and high-level readiness to handle incidents and combat fires; this is achieved through pre-established plans and scenarios based on a risk matrix.

Col. Mohammed Al-Hammadi, spokesperson for the Saudi Civil Defense, affirmed the directorate’s commitment to the highest international standards in firefighting. (General Directorate of Civil Defense photo)

IFOC was an exceptional opportunity for networking and exchanging expertise among specialists and experts in the firefighting field, boosting public safety standards and fostering a secure environment for all, Al-Hammadi said.

Such events address the growing challenges and serve as a key driver for advancement and innovation in the civil protection sector, he added.

Technical sessions during the conference covered safety standards and approved codes in firefighting, as well as displaying technologies in electric vehicles and fuel cell applications.

One panel discussion focused on the readiness of the local workforce to respond to crises and disasters, while another focused on leadership and control in emergency situations.

There were special sessions on the sidelines of the conference, addressing environmental protection issues and urban fires. Participants reviewed innovative solutions for tackling emerging challenges in this field, discussed the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing firefighting capabilities, and explored industrial fires and prevention strategies.

In a dedicated session, participants discussed occupational medicine and health, the importance of promoting fire safety culture, and reviewed issues related to crowd management and conducting investigations and studies concerning major incidents.

The conference was accompanied by an exhibition showing the latest innovations and advanced technologies in firefighting and crisis management. Leading global companies participated in the exhibition to display their products and technical solutions.


 


Clashes in Mozambique after opposition leader calls for protest

Clashes in Mozambique after opposition leader calls for protest
Updated 12 min 14 sec ago
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Clashes in Mozambique after opposition leader calls for protest

Clashes in Mozambique after opposition leader calls for protest
MAPUTO: Police in Mozambique fired tear gas and deployed dogs to disperse protesters in the capital Maputo on Thursday, after the opposition called a demonstration against the contested election results.
The southern African nation has been rocked by violence since the Oct. 9 vote won by the Frelimo party, which has been in power for almost 50 years.
Leading opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who says the results were false and that he won, called for a mass protest on Thursday, saying in an interview that it was a “crucial moment” for the country.
“I feel that there is a revolutionary atmosphere ... that shows that we are on the verge of a unique historical and political transition in the country,” said Mondlane, speaking from an undisclosed location.
The 50-year-old former radio presenter said he could not reveal his whereabouts other than to say he was not in Africa.
Several thousand people took to the streets on Thursday to protest the election result, some throwing rocks and setting up barricades using burning tires and bins. “This is not so much about Venancio (as Mondlane is popularly known). It’s more about change,” said Richard, a protester who asked to be identified only by his first name.
The uprising was to reflect “the voice of the people,” he added.
“Either they change and think about the people, or the country doesn’t move forward.”
Heavily armed riot police and soldiers flanked by tanks dispersed the crowds with tear gas, according to reporters at the scene.
“It’s scary ... we’re all here shaking from time to time, we run away, but it’s going to be worth it,” said Vadi, a woman who also only gave her first name. “We want change, that’s all.”
Shops, banks, schools, and universities were closed in the coastal city, which had around 1 million people.
“Our first objective ... is certainly the restoration of electoral truth,” Mondlane said.
“We want the popular will expressed at the polls on Oct. 9 to be restored.”
He was “waging a struggle” with “national” and “historical purpose,” he added.
“People have realized that it wasn’t possible to bring profound change in Mozambique without taking risks,” he said.
“Now they have to free themselves.”
Mondlane has used social media to rally supporters onto the streets on several occasions for demonstrations that have led to clashes with police.
At least 18 people have been killed in the post-electoral violence, according to Human Rights Watch.
One local NGO, the Center for Democracy and Human Rights, has put the toll at 24.
A police officer was also killed in a protest at the weekend, Defense Minister Cristovao Chume said on Tuesday, warning the army could intervene “to protect the interests of the state.”
“There is an intention to change the democratically established power,” he added.
President Filipe Nyusi is expected to step down early next year at the end of his two-term limit, handing over to Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo, who won the presidential election with 71 percent of the vote, according to the electoral commission.
Mondlane, who has lodged a case at the Constitutional Council to request a ballot recount, said that he was “open to a government of national unity.”
The authorities have restricted access to the internet across the country, which HRW said was an apparent effort to “suppress peaceful protests and public criticism of the government.”
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has warned against “unnecessary or disproportionate force.”
Police should “ensure that they manage protests in line with Mozambique’s international human rights obligations,” he said.
The Southern African Development Community has called for an extraordinary summit between Nov. 16 and 20 in part to discuss developments in Mozambique.
Mondlane left the country last month following the unrest.
He initially said he would be at Thursday’s march but on Wednesday told AFP he wouldn’t return after all due to safety concerns.
“I wanted so much to be in Maputo with my people. But unfortunately, I received more than 5,000 messages ... Ninety-nine percent discouraged me from going to Maputo,” he said.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to be there.”

What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Artist’s Palette’ by Alexandra Loske

What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Artist’s Palette’ by Alexandra Loske
Updated 16 min 42 sec ago
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Artist’s Palette’ by Alexandra Loske

What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Artist’s Palette’ by Alexandra Loske
What can the palette an artist used or depicted tell us about their artistic process, preferences, and finished works? From traditional wooden boards to paint pots, ceramic plates, and studio walls, these deceptively simple yet potent tools provide vital evidence. “The Artist’s Palette” presents 50 unique palettes alongside paintings by the celebrated artists who used them, gathering expert analysis of color, brushstroke, and technique to offer new histories of these artists and their work.

Russian attack on Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia kills four, wounds 40

Russian attack on Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia kills four, wounds 40
Updated 15 min 31 sec ago
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Russian attack on Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia kills four, wounds 40

Russian attack on Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia kills four, wounds 40
  • Russian forces have stepped up their attacks in Zaporizhzhia in recent days
  • “The death toll as a result of Russia’s strikes on Zaporizhzhia has risen to four,” the emergency services said

KYIV: Russian aerial attacks on the frontline city of Zaporizhzhia on Thursday killed at least four people and wounded another 40, including children, officials said.
Another two were killed in a separate attack on the eastern Donetsk region, strikes that followed a wave of overnight drone attacks, including on the capital Kyiv.
Russian forces have stepped up their attacks in Zaporizhzhia in recent days and are making rapid advances in the industrial territory of Donetsk, both of which the Kremlin says are Russian territory.
“The death toll as a result of Russia’s strikes on Zaporizhzhia has risen to four,” the emergency services said in a statement on social media.
“Forty were wounded, including four children,” governor Ivan Fedorov said in a separate statement.
Officials said earlier that a hospital had been damaged in Zaporizhzhia, which had a pre-war population of more than 700,000 people and lies around 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the nearest Russian positions.
A four-month old girl and boys aged one, five and 15 were wounded in the attacks, Fedorov said.
Officials posted images showing rescue workers pulling victims from the rubble and holding back distressed locals from getting to the destroyed buildings.
The strikes later in the Donetsk region killed two people and wounded five more in the village of Mykolaivka, the region’s governor Vadym Filashkin announced on social media.
“One of the shells hit a five-story building and four buildings nearby were damaged,” he wrote on social media.
He posted a photo of a Soviet-era residential building on fire, dozens of its windows blown out with debris littering the ground beneath it.