AI-eksperten skal bli filosof: – Blir viktigere

AI-expert Lars Erlend Leganger is preparing to transition from being an AI expert to a philosopher, as AI becomes increasingly important in society. Leganger, who holds a doctorate in quantum physics, a master's degree in law, and a one-year practical pedagogical education, currently serves as Chief Technology Officer at PwC's law firm.

Leganger believes that humanistic competence will become more crucial as AI expands into more areas of society. This is due to the increasingly difficult decisions that AI will need to make, such as whether to swerve in a self-driving car to avoid hitting a cyclist. These ethical dilemmas will require clear definitions of justice, like whether it's fair to charge young men more for car insurance than young women.

Leganger notes that some of the largest AI labs in the US, such as OpenAI and Anthropic, have hired philosophers to train their language models. However, this trend is not as pronounced in Norway, where companies prioritize technological expertise over philosophical knowledge. Leganger predicts that businesses will begin to address ethical considerations as AI becomes more integrated into decision-making processes, especially in areas with real consequences for individuals and society.

While Leganger acknowledges that AI may challenge junior consultants who lack specialized knowledge, he remains optimistic about the role of practical humaniora, such as pedagogy and didactics. He believes that teachers can benefit from understanding the differences between teaching concepts that are easy for students to grasp and those that are more difficult. In the context of AI, Leganger emphasizes the importance of identifying and transferring domain-specific knowledge to both humans and AI systems.