Artificial intelligence needs to be based on values

The world is undergoing a technological transformation driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), a revolution potentially surpassing the scale of the Industrial Revolution. AI has become an integral part of daily life, assisting professionals across various sectors, including doctors in disease detection, educators in preparing learning materials, researchers in data analysis, and governments in policy planning. AI also shapes the content encountered on social media platforms.

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The challenge is not whether we should use AI or not, because the technology is already around us. The real challenge is to ensure its development continues to benefit humanity.

The question is no longer whether to adopt AI, but how to ensure its continued development benefits humanity. While technological progress is often measured by speed, accuracy, and processing power, history shows that powerful inventions can lead to negative consequences if used without ethical considerations and values. The potential for injustice, discrimination, and abuse of power arises when moral responsibilities are neglected.

Discussions surrounding AI must extend beyond algorithms, data, and computing power to encompass crucial principles like trust, justice, compassion, and responsibility. Advanced AI does not automatically guarantee wise decisions; technological intelligence must be complemented by human wisdom. Key questions arise regarding fairness, respect for human dignity, algorithmic bias, and equitable distribution of benefits.

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Advanced AI does not necessarily produce wise decisions. Instead, technological intelligence must go hand in hand with human wisdom.

These considerations have led to the concept of "Tawhidic Artificial Intelligence." This approach views AI not merely as a technological innovation but as a trust (amanah) that must be developed based on the principle of Tauhid (monotheism). In Islam, knowledge is inseparable from values. AI development within this framework emphasizes responsible data management (amanah), non-discriminatory algorithms (keadilan), enhancing quality of life (ihsan), and ensuring benefits are shared universally (Rahmatan lil-‘Alamin). AI, in this context, is a tool for achieving well-being, not an end in itself. The focus shifts from creating smarter systems to developing more trustworthy ones.

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In this framework, AI is not the ultimate goal but a tool to achieve well-being. We should not just race to produce increasingly intelligent systems. We need to develop more trustworthy technology.