AI: Diverse Perspective And A Common Future

Handbook of Global
Philosophies on AI Ethics

Towards Sustainable Futures

Sunil Malhotra, the author of YOGAi: Interplays of Yoga and Artificial Intelligence (paperback, published 26 March 2024), is our friend and mentor. He has contributed a chapter to the book Whose Ethics for AI?

About the book

This book offers an exploration of the diverse perspectives that shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting the influence of non-Western thinking on its development. What would the impact be if Al were developed with the wisdom of Ubuntu, the harmony of Confucian thought, or the Indian principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, "the world is one family", at its core?

This thought-provoking collection brings together leading voices from around the globe to reimagine AI systems that are fair, ethical, and inclusive. Addressing critical issues such as bias, fairness, privacy, and existential risks, it challenges the status quo. It envisions a future where AI reflects the values of all humanity—not just a select few. Exploring the influence of topics such as religion, culture, and social movements, the book examines how these perspectives shape Al's application across industries such as finance, education, and the military, while underscoring the importance of establishing robust ethical guardrails.

Whether you're a curious reader, a policy maker, a scholar, or a tech innovator, this book is your guide to understanding how different cultural perspectives can redefine AI ethics. It's time to ask, what kind of world do we want AI to build for us all?

Thank you, Sunil, for sharing your life and work with us. 

Let us begin with the cover. I see Techno-Spirituality, the meeting of mind and matter, the creation of a transient being, and an eternal harmony for the universe.

This morning, when I jumped out of bed, there was the article by my bedside, which Sunil shared with me just last evening, and it was indeed the reason for the high level of energy at 4:30 AM, my reading hour!

Reading the chapter made me realise that each of us comes to the world with a purpose, and Dharma and Karma intertwine our lives; thus, we hold and sustain everything in our lives. We learn about righteousness and ethics; this is how we prepare our role in society and the country at large, build our identity and are subsumed by the universe when our purpose of existence is fulfilled.

AI is a mystical technology that has captured the world's attention, and most of us are only reading the headlines; not many can decode the jargon around terms like LLM, AGI, and Singularity. What I took away from the article was the good, that makes us independent and self-reliant, we need to choose We over Me, and the welfare of others unites us. Looking from this perspective, history is witness to the rise and fall of civilisations and has established the fact that it is Spirituality that holds the world together; we are all one world and one family, and AI, to my mind, will and should bring us all together in the quest for global good.

AI is a paradox: like any new invention and technology, it has both good and bad sides. This is where ethics matter, and we need not limit ourselves to a binary view. Being control freaks, humans have a superiority complex and feel threatened by change and are in a state of inertia. Over the years, we have noted that all disruptions first challenge us to accept, then require acceptance, and finally, to live with acceptance. The constant state of change and chaos has the energy that must help us build our intelligence and capabilities.

I am currently reading Human Edge in the AI Age: Eight Timeless Mantras for Success by Nitin Seth, bestselling author of Winning in the Digital Age and Mastering the Data Paradox. The book blurb states: A seismic shift is underway―one that will redefine work, value, and even what it means to be human.

Artificial Intelligence is not just disrupting industries―it's beginning to outperform humans in areas once considered exclusively ours: complex reasoning, creativity, even emotional intelligence. As AI accelerates, it will displace millions of jobs―while also creating once-in-a-generation opportunities for those ready to build, innovate, and lead.

Intelligence is the application of knowledge, and AI is helping us build a neocortex in the cloud and expand our brains into an endless frontier. We surely need Spirituality to maintain sanity and be good humans. Revolutions come and go, and civilisations are wiped out. What seems omnipotent is the human guest for learning, and this is the key message one takes away when such books come to the shelf and are widely read.

Yes, hype and western hegemony have a role to play; there are believers, nay-sayers, and sceptics, which goes to show the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the future of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence). We have to accept the fact that universal functionality and morality must work for everyone. Over the years, IP, Copyright and any exclusive control over content have been lost, and we are all adding to the ocean of knowledge, living on our islands, disconnected and pretending to be connected. Understanding AI, and what path to follow, the need for regulation, and self-governance, no doubt that no one will be left untouched. Let us work together, as anthropomorphism is fundamental to human social behaviour. We believe in God and thus need to understand the global good and use technology with ethics as its primary guiding principle.

Looking back to the idea of Spiritual Quotient, YOGAi and how the discourse on AI ethics encompasses multiple dimensions, we must look at the way YOGA builds harmony and is today looked at as a way for global good - no hegemony, no copyright, only suitable for all in body and well-being. Like the West found the East, and discovered the power of Dharma and good, today the East must look at the West and find ways to use AI for the greater common good, and not let the West establish a new world order to replace the old world order; hegemony and monopoly are not the way for peaceful existence.

The chapter by Sunil Malhotra, very timely indeed, is in my mailbox, and I am hoping the author will soon send me a signed copy of the book. Of course I would be happy to pay the price, as this should be my 'guru dakshina' (gift to the guru in honour) for all he does to help me understand the leapfrogging nature of change, the way the exponential growth of technology and knowledge is helping us build our intelligence and not just the so called demon by some - Artificial Intelligence.

Sandeep Dutt

Sandeep is a seasoned educational consultant with over four decades of experience. He specialises in enhancing learning outcomes through tailored strategies for students and institutions. Please find out more about him at www.sdutt.com

To Copy VS Not To Copy - Mizan Ali

"A renewed effort after failure tends to be even more creative." 

Success in life is measured by self-awareness and knowledge, which brings maturity and growth. However, in the context of student life, success is often mistakenly equated with the marks obtained on a result sheet. In reality, these scores have limited value in shaping practical life outcomes. Measuring success solely by grades rarely equips students with real-world challenges.

Under the pressure of parents and societal expectations, students often resort to unethical methods—cheating, writing answers on their palms, or sneaking in notes during exams. When these actions are exposed, the student faces embarrassment. Yet, such behavior stems not from malice, but from the overwhelming focus on securing good grades.

Interestingly, children labeled as "unfocused" or "weak in studies" demonstrate remarkable focus when they attempt to cheat. Their fear of failure pushes them to find ways to succeed by any means necessary. This raises an important question: Can a child who displays such determination truly be considered weak? The problem lies not in their capability, but in the misguided approach they adopt to achieve their goals.

As teachers and parents, it is essential to instill strong moral values in children. We must help them understand that exams are not just about obtaining high marks, but about honestly evaluating their knowledge and skills. True literacy and success are measured by how well they can apply this knowledge in real-life situations.

Mizan Ali

Sunbeam Indiranagar

Importance of Festivals in Our Life - Monika Vaishnav

Courtesy: pxhere.com

Festivals are meant to rejoice special moments and emotions in our lives with our loved ones. They give us a distraction from our day to day, the exhausting routine of life, and give us some inspiration to remember the important things and moments in life.  Festivals were started to pass the legends, knowledge and traditions onto the next generation. They bring excitement in life. 

All festivals are cultural in one way or another.  There are many types of cultural festivals such as National, Religious etc. They all serve the purpose of bringing happiness to our lives and strengthen our sense of community.

National Festivals:  They connect us as a people of a nation.  National festivals connect citizens to important moments of a nation’s history such as our independence day. They solidify patriotic spirits in society.

Religious Festivals: Religious festivals are important for families.  To keep this simple we can all agree that religious festivals help us to teach principles and ethics to our next generations.  All different religious festivals bring the same message of love, tolerance and understanding.  On these occasions, we express our gratitude to God, for the special thing or event that originated on this particular festival.

Overall in simple terms, all the festivals are related to harmony, peace and happiness.

Courtesy:http://www.hattours.com/blog/

Monika Vaishnav

mvv@fabindiaschools.in

The Fabindia School 

Unity and Caring - Shivani Rao

Unity refers to accepting and appreciating each other and their contributions. When people are united,

their focus is to work towards a common goal instead of satisfying their own selfish motives. Unity protects us from all kinds of evil. We, people, should help each other and together fight and face the evil and negative things. When we stand together only then we get freedom from all kinds of negativity.

The feeling of having united with others makes a person so powerful and confident that no person or no situation can defeat or harm. Unity creates a sense of belonging and increases well-being for all. We have heard a story of a farmer who has four sons, and they were unable to break the bundle of sticks and another story of birds that were trapped in a net by Fowler, and by being united they got success in flying together along with the net. "United we stand, Divided we fall".

We got independence after years of struggling only because we all were united and our focus was in a common direction. Our country is a place where many communities, different castes, different religions are available but having unity among all in a common thought of being Indians. Unity is an important value that can't be taught in a classroom but can be experienced by playing in a field. When we work as a team and play, we will definitely win.

Caring for an individual means connecting with them from our heart. Actively listening and being emotionally present, as well as providing support, are important aspects of care. When we are unitedly working for a common goal, caring is shown for each other.  A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle rather it lightens the room more. Similarly caring for each other will develop a beautiful bond between people, it will cost nothing. Also, it will create a sense of belonging. When you care for others, others will give you the same love and care. Your true wealth is not measured by money and property. True wealth is created by caring for your loved ones, by creating good friends and relationships. 

Treat everyone around you with your ethics, not with theirs. Treat the people the way you want to be treated by them. What you give is what you will receive. Caring is not only important for our loved ones but equally important for animals, for plants, for the equipment you use.

Shivani Rao

The Fabindia School

sro@fabindiaschools.in

Discipline shapes one's Personality - Bharti Rao

Discipline means order or code of behaviour which is the key to success. If you want to be successful you need to inculcate a sense of duty and obedience of life. Self-discipline is essential not only in the student’s life but also in all walks and ages of life. If you are not disciplined and do have a structure, then your life will be full of chaos and confusion.

Self-discipline needs to be inculcated very early in life. It helps us to build self-confidence, balances our personality and helps us to inculcate good work ethics. Discipline is a must both in schools, home or our workplaces. In today’s world where we see cut-throat competitions and as time is precious; there is a need for us to be disciplined. 

Concentration also comes through self-discipline and this will help us to scale new heights. We need to be disciplined both in our personal and private life. Discipline helps us to create an order which helps us to perform in a systematic way. Disciplined life helps in time management. So, if we want to be successful we need to aim to be more self-disciplined.

Bharti Rao, The Fabindia School

Honesty and Respect - Penta BHIS

Honesty & Respect - I
“The high road is always respected. Honesty and Integrity is always rewarded.”---Scott Hamilton.

Honesty, and broadly integrity, are important traits in one’s academic and professional life. In school, a healthy student-teacher relationship comes from mutual respect and trust; these can further lead to the building of nascent characters. Common civilisational values build an honour code in individuals that can act as a beacon all through their lives.

In the little world of my classroom, when I ask a question, students need to raise their hands first, wait for me to call upon them before they get to answer. Sam would never volunteer to answer. Whenever I asked him if he had understood the concept, he would keep an embarrassing silence until the student sitting beside him prompted the answer to him. Most often, Sam’s answers would be fashioned from these prompts. I explained to everyone that prompting their friends was a hindrance to learning, never a help, as I would never come to know whether Sam had actually understood the concept or had merely repeated another’s the answer.

Cut to the test day. As was the norm with me, I reminded everyone to focus on their own papers and not others’. While correcting the answer scripts, I was shocked at Sam’s poor performance. The next day, I asked him what had happened in the test. He ruefully told me that he had not prepared for the test and added,                                                                                                      

“I did not want to copy from my partner’s paper as I really was unaware of the answers”.

More than his grades, I appreciated him for his honesty and sincere approach to learning. Sam was able to tell me the truth as he believed that I would respect his standpoint. Well, he had also earned my respect. His parents were emotional when this incident was brought to their notice. It was important for them too, to look beyond his marks in comparison to his classmates.

Honesty is more than being truthful. Honesty refers to being morally correct – which in turn, is bound to earn respect. Sam, though different from others, was accepted by all for his integrity and had succeeded in building a network based on respect.

“Speak with honesty, think with sincerity, and act with integrity.”---Anonymous

Honesty & Respect -II

This was a new Grade IX for me. The students were aware (from their seniors) that I am a no-nonsense teacher, just as I knew this class to be a troublesome one. Within two weeks of school, we had a class test of 25 marks. The test was based on grammar with objective questions.

I returned the corrected worksheets and began discussing the answers. By the end of the class, this very bright teenager, with a reputation for not only disturbing the class but also instigating others to follow suit, came up to me. He grudgingly pointed out my ‘mistakes’ or ‘perhaps oversight’ (in his words) in my corrections.

I could immediately discern that these changes in the answers had been his handiwork in the last few minutes. The correct answers were either too carefully written or stood out of a mess of scratches. Clearly, the child was not yet masterful in his questionable ways. Not just yet.

I studied all my ‘oversights’ and his apparently ‘correct’ answers carefully. Calling him aside, I asked him twice – “Are you sure?” The second time, he did not look at me as he nodded.

I took his worksheet and marked him 25/25. I told him that I would be uploading the marks the following day. So, he needed to think and answer with complete certitude if he truly deserved a 100% score. After all, he was seeking fairness.

The next day, he gave me a note from his mother, still avoiding my eyes. The note said how my words had made him think, but he could not undo the damage when he had chosen to go on with his lies - that being the easier way out. She thanked me for making her son introspect and reject the wrong path. After expressing her gratitude, she requested a favour. Since the boy could not own up (being afraid to create a poor impression at the beginning of the academic year), could I forgive and help him?

In the next little discussion that we had (out, in the corridor), I acknowledged his ability to see the truth for what it was, irrespective of how daunting this might have been for a youngster. I changed the marks to the actual figure he had secured but told him that he had scored 100% as a human being in my eyes.

Strangely, I did not encounter any disturbance in the class in the two years I taught it.

When we treat people merely as they are, they will remain as they are. When we treat them as they should be, they will strive towards attaining that potential. (Inspired by T.S. Monson's words)

Penta @ Billabong High International School, Thane
- Jeeji Sanjeev, Sanika Joshi, Arpita M.G., Radhika Anand, Muskaan Menda, Supriya Naravankar & Bhavani Swamy

Integrity- a trait : Bharti Rao

How do children learn to be honest, respect societal norms, act in ways consistent with values, beliefs and moral principles they hold? This all is delivered to them either at home or in school. School is the second home for kids where they spent their valuable time. No child is born with integrity or behavioural traits. This all is groomed in them when they come to school.

In the school environment, students acquire these values and behaviours from adult role models and peers. To groom the students into good citizens as they are the future leaders, the teachers instil and reinforce a code of ethics in the classrooms. When students learn integrity in their classroom settings, it helps them to apply similar principles to other aspects of their lives.

The school environment helps the child in character building and integrity is a part of one’s character. Moral Values should be inculcated in a child by building relationships with teachers, peers and community. In school, a good student-teacher relationship comes from mutual trust and respect.

Honesty and Integrity is the two important traits that we should have in our academic and professional life.  We can help the students to learn integrity by engaging them in any activity or dialogue. Help the students to understand the importance of academic integrity and not to be stressed or under pressure.

Integrity means to be true to oneself. We should willingly do what is right even when no one is watching us. When we are true to our self we will always be happy as we are honest and trustworthy.

Bharti Rao

bro@fabindiaschools.in

The Fabindia School, Bali

Can Ethics and Values be taught?

Teaching Ethics and Values is the biggest challenge in today’s time but it’s the need of the hour. Before going further let's understand about both the terms.

Ethics is about our actions and decisions. When one acts in ways which are with our beliefs (whether secular or derived from a moral authority) we will characterize that as acting ethically. When one’s actions are not congruent with our values - our sense of right, good and just - we will view that as acting unethically.

Values are our fundamental beliefs. They are the principles we use to define that which is right, good and just. Values provide guidance as we determine the right versus the wrong, the good versus the bad. They are our standards. Typical values include honesty, integrity, compassion, courage, honour, responsibility, patriotism, respect and fairness.

Rushmore Kidder’s research identified 5 core moral values:

u Honesty

u Respect

u Responsibility

u Fairness

u Compassion

There is a major debate that whether ethics can be taught at all. This debate is on since the past 2500 years. It goes when Socrates debated that ethics can be learnt. Plato arrived in an equivocal conclusion regarding the same. Different psychologists and researchers gave different views.

Eric Ericson gives eight psycho-social stages and each stage revolves around a certain psychological and moral issue- trust vs mistrust, intimacy vs isolation, social responsibility vs stagnation.

Piaget links moral development with cognitive development. Some believe that ethics and values growth originates from the natural process of maturation and depends on age. Others suggest that moral and value development is independent of a person’s age.

Piaget believed that a sense of moral values is developed with other cognitive attributes. He divides it into 2 stages:

• Heteronomous morality and Autonomous morality
• The adults according to their convenience use a mix of both approaches.

“Values are the seeds from which all behaviour grows.”

The first school of value education is home and first teachers are parents. Homes that focus on value development develop value centred children. Parents who treat others with respect and humility, their children follow their footsteps. But after that parents must correct their children consistently for any misdeed or disrespectful behaviour.

We must instil as a parent and educators that cooperation and collaboration are the most important virtue to be taught. More than the competition, we must focus on collaboration and cooperation.

In today’s scenario all the above-mentioned thoughts and values are expected from schools and parents seldomly want to do anything practically on this issue. All these values are expected from teachers.

I face this on a daily basis where parents say something at home and say a different thing at school. There is always a contradiction in their statement. They are so scared of their children. To correct them. On the other hand, there are other extremes who believe in “spare the rod, spoil the child”. For any big or small mistake, the use the rod. So, the child gets punished for anything and everything. Children start taking values/ ethics as a burden and when you try to explain them they perceive it as a lecture or a boring session.

According to Theodore Roosevelt “ To educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.”

Ethics is ultimately about the relationship. It is about people and relationships with one another.

The right approach is to have parents and teachers on the same side and work towards the betterment of children and society at large and the biggest step is to be role models for our younger generation and practice what we preach and preach what we practice.

- Vasudha Neel Mani <vneelmani@gmail.com>