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International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanity Development

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A Sartrean Perspective On Human Freedom And Moral Responsibility In The Age Of Artificial Intelligence

DOI https://doi.org/10.55640/ijsshd-v03i06-06
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Ediana-abasi Louis Bassey 1 ,
4 Department of Philosophy, University of Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has generated significant philosophical and ethical concerns regarding human freedom, autonomy, and moral responsibility. As AI systems participation in decision-making processes across healthcare, education, transportation, governance, and other sectors, raises questions concerning accountability for actions and outcomes influenced by intelligent technologies. This study investigated the concepts of human freedom and moral responsibility in the age of artificial intelligence from the perspective of Jean-Paul Sartre’s existential philosophy. The problem addressed is whether the growing influence of AI threatens human freedom and whether responsibility for AI-assisted decisions can be transferred from human agents to technological systems. The major aim of the study was to examine the distinction between human and machine decision-making, evaluating whether AI can possess freedom in the Sartrean sense. Others are to analyze the issue of responsibility for AI-generated outcomes, and assess the relevance of Sartre’s concept of bad faith in contemporary digital environments. The study is justified by the increasing integration of AI into critical areas of human life and the need for a philosophical framework capable of addressing emerging questions of agency and accountability. Its significance lies in contributing to ongoing discussions in AI ethics, existential philosophy, and technology governance. The research adopted a qualitative philosophical methodology based on conceptual and critical analysis of primary and secondary literature. The scope of the study is limited to the examination of freedom, responsibility, authenticity, and bad faith within the context of AI-assisted decision-making. The study concluded that artificial intelligence lacks the consciousness, intentionality, and existential freedom necessary for moral agency.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence, Jean-Paul Sartre, Freedom, Moral Responsibility

References

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