Feature Article: Would AI have Dropped the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima?
This is the third part of our three-part series of articles from award-winning journalist Mike D'Amour. In this part we discuss the answers we received when we asked AI if it would have made the same decision to bomb Hiroshima as the U.S. did on Aug. 6, 1945. The results may surprise you...
Here is the answer we received from AI:
"The decision to drop an atomic bomb on Nagasaki during World War II was a highly controversial and morally complex one.
The use of AI to determine whether it would have recommended such an action raises intriguing questions about the role of technology in making ethical decisions. While AI can process vast amounts of data and make objective calculations, it lacks the emotional intelligence and ethical understanding that humans possess.
AI would likely have analyzed historical data and military strategies to evaluate the potential impact of bombing Nagasaki. It could have considered factors such as the Japanese government's resistance, the estimated civilian casualties, and the potential to hasten the end of the war. However, AI lacks the ability to comprehend the immense human suffering that would result from such an action. Without this emotional understanding, AI might solely focus on achieving the objective of ending the war as quickly as possible, without considering the ethical implications.
Furthermore, AI is limited in its ability to understand and contextualize complex historical, political and social factors. The decision to drop an atomic bomb on Nagasaki involved not only military objectives, but also intricate diplomatic considerations, moral dilemmas, and the potential long-term consequences of such an action.
AI's lack of historical and contextual understanding would limit its ability to accurately assess whether this decision was appropriate or justified.Ultimately, the decision to bomb Nagasaki was made by humans who had to weigh complex moral and ethical considerations. While AI can assist with data analysis and objective calculations, it lacks the ability to comprehend the emotional impact and historical context necessary to make such a moral judgment."
We hope you enjoyed this three-part series of articles from award-winning journalist Mike D'Amour.
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