Evolving AI Ethics with Phaedra Boinodiris

In the first episode of Season Four of the Inside Learning Podcast by Lernovate Centre, we begin with interest as we host renowned inclusive technology and responsible AI expert, Phaedra Boinodiris. Known for her impactful work with IBM and Future World Alliance, Phaedra delves into the pressing issue of inherent bias in AI technologies and how we can work towards their ethical utilization. Phaedra provides insightful perspectives on the prevalent bias in AI, but she also envisages AI as a mirror that reflects our biases, encouraging us to rectify the image we see. The conversation takes an exciting turn as we delve into her book which enlightens on the absolute necessity of ethical AI. Throughout this discussion, we dissect real-life instances of AI misapplication leading to societal harm, underlining the importance of multidisciplinary teams to anticipate and mitigate such impacts. Phaedra convincingly argues for not just creating diverse and inclusive AI technologies, but also for using them ethically. Join us in this conversation as we uncover the societal and technical challenges that AI poses, and how we can steer through them to maximize human potential. We address the critical necessity of revolutionising the teaching of AI in schools, extending its application to disciplines like civics or social studies for comprehensive innovation. We conclude this episode by probing the current norms surrounding AI education, challenging the boundaries of humanities and engineering. Phaedra, the author of "AI for the Rest of Us", emphasizes the importance of humility and the capacity to 'unlearn' for the collective good. This episode ends with a fervent call for enhanced inclusivity and collaboration within the AI fraternity.