Paper Number
ICIS2025-1381
Paper Type
Short
Abstract
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly complex, traditional ethical frameworks rooted in universalism and idealism prove inadequate for guiding responsible design. In response, this paper advances a Sartrean ethical lens for reimagining Responsible AI Design, grounded in existential principles of situated freedom, moral agency, and authentic responsibility. We conceptualize AI designers as active moral agents who must navigate ethical ambiguity through continuous reflection and contextual engagement rather than adherence to static principles. To support this reorientation, we identify three guiding imperatives—Intentional Integrity, Agentic Integrity, and Communicative Integrity—that promote sustained ethical vigilance across dynamic sociotechnical environments. We then propose a research agenda that encourages reframing ethical responsibility in AI design as a lived, situated practice. By emphasizing continuous moral reflection, contextual responsiveness, and the cultivation of ethical agency, this approach aims to equip AI designers to navigate the trade-offs and evolving demands of contemporary AI ecosystems more effectively.
Recommended Citation
Abhari, Kaveh; Rivera, Andrea; and Xiao, Bo Sophia, "Responsible Artificial Intelligence Design: A Sartrean Blueprint for Navigating the Ethical Complexity of Future AI Research" (2025). ICIS 2025 Proceedings. 7.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2025/ethical_is/ethical_is/7
Responsible Artificial Intelligence Design: A Sartrean Blueprint for Navigating the Ethical Complexity of Future AI Research
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly complex, traditional ethical frameworks rooted in universalism and idealism prove inadequate for guiding responsible design. In response, this paper advances a Sartrean ethical lens for reimagining Responsible AI Design, grounded in existential principles of situated freedom, moral agency, and authentic responsibility. We conceptualize AI designers as active moral agents who must navigate ethical ambiguity through continuous reflection and contextual engagement rather than adherence to static principles. To support this reorientation, we identify three guiding imperatives—Intentional Integrity, Agentic Integrity, and Communicative Integrity—that promote sustained ethical vigilance across dynamic sociotechnical environments. We then propose a research agenda that encourages reframing ethical responsibility in AI design as a lived, situated practice. By emphasizing continuous moral reflection, contextual responsiveness, and the cultivation of ethical agency, this approach aims to equip AI designers to navigate the trade-offs and evolving demands of contemporary AI ecosystems more effectively.
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