Senior Lecturer and IHSS Fellow
In an era where AI is reshaping various aspects of society, the integration of machine learning into warfare raises profound ethical questions. Queen Mary University of London's Dr Elke Schwarz studies the interplay between technological advancement and morality.
The proliferation of AI in warfare introduces unprecedented challenges, prompting a critical examination of its impact on moral agency and accountability. This research explores how the adoption of AI technologies reshapes our relationship with violence, challenging conventional notions of ethical conduct in warfare. By interrogating the implications of AI-enabled weapon systems, Dr Schwarz addresses pressing concerns regarding the erosion of moral responsibility and the normalisation of brutality in modern warfare.
Employing a political philosophy lens, Dr Schwarz synthesises theoretical frameworks with empirical investigations to dissect the ethical dimensions of AI in warfare. This interdisciplinary approach involves:
Dr Schwarz speaking at The Center for War Studies about Death Machines, her book on the ethics of violent technologies.
The research has provided significant insights into the ethical ramifications of AI in warfare:
Dr Schwarz's work underscores the imperative for policymakers and decision-makers to reckon with the ethical complexities of AI in warfare. By offering a nuanced understanding of how technology shapes our engagement with violence, Dr Schwarz aims to facilitate informed discourse and policy interventions that uphold ethical standards in military practices. Through continued research, advocacy efforts and engagement with stakeholders, Dr Schwarz seeks to contribute to a more ethical and responsible approach to the development and deployment of AI technologies in armed conflict.
It's quite literally a matter of life and death. We don't want to get to a point where AI is used to make a decision to a take a life when no human can be held responsible for that decision.— Dr Elke Schwarz
As AI continues to permeate the domain of warfare, Dr Schwarz's research serves as a beacon of ethical inquiry, illuminating the moral landscapes shaped by technological innovation. By confronting the ethical challenges posed by AI-enabled weapon systems, Dr Schwarz endeavours to safeguard the principles of humanity and accountability amidst the evolving dynamics of modern warfare.
Sign up to learn more about Queen Mary research.
This remarkable project sequences 100,000 genomes from circa 85,000 patients affected by rare disorders and cancers – making the UK a world leader in genomic medicine.
Current antenna technology has been outpaced by integrated electronic circuits, which continue to develop exponentially.
Re-ID is a specialist software that re-identifies people more accurately than highly trained human experts. New technology helps re-identify people in videos.