The rise of misinformation, threats to democracies, lack of regulation, and the concentration among a few tech giants contrast sharply with the medical and environmental sustainability benefits that artificial intelligence (AI) can offer on a global scale.
Philosophical Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence
The latest book by Adela Cortina, an esteemed philosopher and emeritus professor of Ethics and Political Philosophy at the University of Valencia, poses the question: ¿Ética o ideología de la inteligencia artificial? (Paidós Editions, 2025). The book serves as a reflection of two contrasting views: those who fear the dangers of AI and those who are captivated by its potential. Echoing another thinker, Italian Umberto Eco (1932-2016), Cortina articulates the dilemma of “Apocalyptic vs. Integrated.” AI fascinates because it highlights the complexity of the world and the value of humanity, yet this technological arena lacks sufficient reflection. Philosopher Daniel Innerarity, Chair of Political Philosophy at the University of the Basque Country, emphasizes the need for this much-needed reflection. He is known for his work Una teoría crítica de la inteligencia artificial (Galaxia Gutenberg, 2025) and participated in the Retina Tech4Good event, supported by Santander and organized with Google, with the backing of companies like Iberia, Indra, Ineco, and Quibim.
Ethics vs. Ideology
Both Cortina and Innerarity release books on similar themes, exploring the nuanced relationship between AI and humanity. Drawing on Ortega y Gasset's thoughts, Innerarity argues that as humans, we can choose to humanize or dehumanize ourselves. Cortina references Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1818) to illustrate her point: “Frankenstein is not the monster; it is the doctor who created it out of loneliness and an insatiable desire for happiness.” She suggests that without conscious decision-making, others will dictate our paths, often to our detriment. This prompts the question of embedding altruistic intentions into algorithmic code.
A Philosophical Approach to AI
Cortina outlines three categories of intelligence as a Kantian framework. The first category encompasses superior intelligences that may surpass human capacities, raising concerns about a dystopian future. “Imagine a reality governed by leaders like Trump and Xi Jinping—horrifying,” she states. The second category is “general intelligence,” which embraces human values like love and community. The third category comprises special intelligence, the one we currently possess, which must be nurtured.
As she contemplates the interface between AI and ethics, Cortina underscores the importance of distinct ethical frameworks for intelligent systems versus human ethics. Only humans possess the ability to make contextual choices; AI lacks the capacity for comprehension. “We should not avoid accountability but be cautious about attributing excessive credit to algorithms,” she cautions.
Finding a Balance Between Man and Machine
Innerarity asserts that this is not a conflict between humans and machines but rather a quest for equilibrium. Machines can process data and support medical diagnoses, but they cannot replace human intuition and judgment. In situations characterized by ambiguity and uncertainty, the responsibility remains with humanity.
Humanity's role is to strive for collective well-being and justice, as articulated by Cortina. “AI has immense potential to advance communal good,” she remarks, emphasizing the need for ethical frameworks to guide its application.
The Need for Reflection
As a critique of the rapid pace of technological advancement, Innerarity highlights the importance of reflection. “Reflecting is not time wasted; it prevents mistakes and ensures we proceed correctly.” He argues that the current technological rush threatens thoughtful discourse, often to the detriment of societal welfare.
Power and Principles
Innerarity poses a significant question regarding the implications of hyper-automated systems on democracy. Adela Cortina reiterates that Europe is built on the principle of precaution, necessitating a balanced approach to digital innovation with ethical considerations. “The EU must maintain its sovereignty while regulating technology effectively,” she states.
AI in Society
Virginia Carcedo, Secretary General and Director of Excellence, Transformation, and Equality at the ONCE Foundation, highlights AI's role in eliminating repetitive jobs while enhancing experiences. The digital elite envision a society where challenges can be addressed through increased digitization, yet the need for thoughtful integration into human and natural environments remains essential.
AI in Healthcare
In the realm of healthcare, Ángel Alberich-Bayarri, CEO of Quibim, shares the transformative potential of AI in medical diagnostics, emphasizing that it aids, rather than replaces, human judgment. The use of AI can significantly improve precision in cancer detection, but the final decision must rest with medical professionals. Raquel Yotti, Commissioner for Cutting-Edge Health Initiatives, urges a democratic approach to healthcare technologies to ensure that advancements do not deepen existing inequalities.
Collective Intelligence for a Sustainable Future
In conclusion, the need for a measured introduction of AI technologies into various sectors is clear. As society navigates the complexities of digital advancements, fostering collective intelligence rooted in ethical considerations will be paramount for a sustainable future.
