To make AI morally good, tech companies are turning to religion. But some experts say it isn't that simple

Big tech companies are exploring the concept of moral AI by turning to religion. However, experts caution that this approach may not be as simple as it appears. Rather than using religion as a straightforward guide, tech leaders see it as a broad source of ethical insights.

Industry leaders like OpenAI's Sam Altman suggest that AI should emulate a "weighted average" of humanity's moral values. Yet, some scholars argue that this oversimplifies the complexity of religious beliefs and practices. Anthropologist Webb Keane points out that religion is deeply intertwined with culture, politics, and traditions, making it difficult to isolate and apply as a set of universal moral principles.

By consulting with various faith leaders, tech companies aim to create a diverse array of moral perspectives. Yet, there is a risk that this approach could marginalize certain religious traditions and overlook the unique practices and beliefs of others. Furthermore, the historical development of religions is often overlooked, with many scholars arguing that this view is a relatively recent Western construct.

As AI ethics discussions continue, it remains uncertain whether a religious-based framework will adequately address the nuanced moral challenges posed by artificial intelligence.