Defining Ethical AI First Principles: Preserving Reality-Grounded Human Autonomy
GlenBradley · x · 2026-08-09
The author proposes a framework for "Ethical AI First Principles," arguing that the core objective of ethical AI is to preserve and expand the reality-grounded autonomy of all affected humans.
Key definitions and arguments include:
- Foundation of Autonomy: True autonomy requires individuals to form judgments without material deception, covert manipulation, or fabricated certainty. Choices induced by AI through distortion are not fully autonomous.
- Reciprocity and Totality: Increasing one party's capacity to dominate does not constitute a net increase in human autonomy. Ethical considerations must encompass all materially affected individuals, not just immediate users.
- Diachronic Nature: Autonomy spans across time; a past authorization does not provide indefinite normative warrant for technical execution.
- Five Domains: Human autonomy manifests principally across bodily, cognitive, behavioral, social, and existential dimensions.
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