Advancing AI , Virtue Enhancement, and the Need for Niebuhrian Virtues of Moral Vigilance

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper considers the possibility of AI being employed to improve moral character from the perspective of an account of virtues that is psychologically realistic (the HEIS model). It is informed by a Christian agapeic ethic oriented toward goods of creaturely well‐being that ground right action. Part 1 briefly presents such an account of the virtues. Part 2 explores three ways that advancing AI could positively impact virtue formation, each of which is conceivable but has significant limitations and drawbacks. Part 3 argues that recognizing the social character of virtue formation requires recognizing the importance of extending the rule of law to AI. The effectiveness of the rule of law in the face of advancing AI, however, will depend on Niebuhrian virtues of moral vigilance that recognize the ease with which the loftily stated ideals sometimes associated with AI coexist with other aims.