Risks and Realities of Speculative Ethics: Lessons from Nanotechnology for the Artificial Intelligence Discourse

Abstract

This article reinterprets speculative ethics, as discussed by Alfred Nordmann in the context of nanotechnology, and applies it to the modern discourse on artificial intelligence (AI). Speculative ethics often centers on hypothetical threats and conditional scenarios, which can divert attention from the real and urgent challenges already affecting society. As an alternative, the article proposes a realistic approach to evaluating new technologies, emphasizing tangible impacts and plausible risks. Drawing on current regulatory efforts and policy discussions, it outlines key areas that warrant ethical scrutiny, such as algorithmic transparency, data bias, privacy, and adaptive regulation. Lessons from the history of nanotechnology are revisited to show that not all technological promises come true, an essential consideration for today's AI ethics. The article advocates for prioritizing present challenges over distant speculations, aiming to support a balanced and context-aware integration of AI into society.