The Contribution of the Philosophy of Hans Jonas, Günther Anders and Hannah Arendt to Responsibility in the Ethics of AI – Inter

Alexandre Bretel (Grenoble Alpes University) in conversation with Sinan Barış Yaşar (HGGS)- What makes AI ethics distinct from other areas of ethics?- What is required for the “responsible” use of AI?- How can the philosophies of Hans Jonas, GüntherAnders, and Hannah Arendt provide guidance in addressing the challenges of AI?In this episode, Alexandre Bretel from the Grenoble Alpes University and participant in the Marsilius-Kolleg Summer School 2025 “AI and Human Values” joins us to explore the intersection of AI ethics and responsibility through the perspectives of Hans Jonas, Günther Anders, and Hannah Arendt. Together, we reflect on the philosophical foundations of AI ethics, the meaning of responsibility, and the so-called “responsibility gap” in AI systems. The conversation also turns to broader questions—how AI challenges human autonomy, the difference between innovation and progress, and the fine line between utopian promise and dystopian risk. We further discuss the ethical dimensions of surveillance, the importance of individual responsibility, and what policy approaches might guide the development of truly responsible AI.Timeline(00:00) Intro(00:24) Introducing Alexandre Bretel and His Research Focus(03:11) Fundamentals of AI Ethics(06:48) The Perspectives of Hans Jonas, Günther Anders, and Hannah Arendt on Responsibility(09:18) Understanding the Concept of Responsibility in AI(10:43) The Responsibility Gap in AI Systems(13:09) Implications of AI on Human Autonomy(15:52) Innovation vs. Progress in Technology(19:36) Utopia, Anti-Utopia and Dystopia in the framework of AI Ethics(21:32) Surveillance and AI: Ethical Implications(24:35) Individual Responsibility in the Age of AI(27:02) Policy Recommendations for Responsible AI(29:13) The Blurring Lines between Private and Public Spheres(31:22) Personal Reflection: Importance of Philosophical Wanderings(33:36) OutroKeywordsAI ethics, responsibility, Hans Jonas, Günther Anders, Hannah Arendt, technology, human autonomy, innovation, progress, surveillance, utopia, dystopia, anti-utopia, technology ethics, wandering, AI systems, environment, AI regulation, AI policy