Possibility of Using AI in Teaching Ethics: Using Bioethics as an Example

This study analyzes the prospect of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) systems into the teaching of ethical disciplines, with bioethics as a key example. Based on an interdisciplinary approach (philosophy, cognitive sciences, bioethics, AI theory), the problem of attributing AI to moral agency is investigated. Although there are strong arguments in favor of recognizing AI as an influential agent in the socio-cultural sense, this does not provide it with the status of a full-fledged moral agent. AI is able to “follow the rule”, but without a genuine understanding of the irrational moments of intersubjective interaction, the existing cultural and psychological context, which excludes human flexibility in decision-making. Since there is no comprehensive, final ethical regulation, ethical action requires practical wisdom (phronesis), which is inaccessible to AI due to its discrete nature devoid of contextual integrity. Without existential involvement in the world, his own history and physicality, it remains a responsive, but not a morally responsible agent. Using examples of the use of AI (neural networks, chatbots), existing research in the field of its perception and involvement in the educational process, the status of AI as the Other is analyzed. This virtual Other does not introduce us into an ethical situation like a human teacher for several reasons. On the one hand, our work substantiates the AI’s inability to self-reflect due to its ontology. The key argument is human vulnerability, which is the foundation of conscience, responsibility, and genuine ethical inquiry, inaccessible to AI. Without vulnerability, there is no empathy, and without it, there is no immersion in ethical issues as inevitably relevant. The ways of safe use of AI technologies and the associated ethical risks need to be thoroughly studied, including by students themselves in the educational process. In particular, they should understand the need to understand interactions with AI from the perspective of morality, the influence of AI on the decision-making process in future professional activities.