Rethinking Human Values and Intelligent Machines in an Artificial Intelligence Era

by Nde Paul Ade, Kongnyuy Marcel Nyuykonghe

The rapid proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses significant risks to human values, autonomy, dignity, and authentic relationships, as it reshapes societal structures and individual experiences. Science and emerging technologies are out of control, taking on a life of their own, by disconnecting themselves from their initially designed "proper" roles as handmaidens of human values. The objectives of this study are threefold: First, to critically analyze the conceptions of human values in an AI context, second, to evaluate arguments concerning the degradation of human values in contemporary society, and third, to propose practical strategies to preserve human dignity and autonomy. The study concludes that, a proactive approach integrating philosophical reflection with practical measures can ensure AI serves authentic human progress, as well as safeguarding values against the backdrop of technological advancement.