The Ethics of AI and Artistic Integrity

Today, I had the opportunity to reflect on the ethical implications surrounding AI systems like ChatGPT and DALL-E, which utilize original artworks as a foundation for creating new content. The core of my inquiry centers on whether this practice constitutes fair use and its ethical ramifications. The fact that original artists often receive neither recognition nor compensation raises significant concerns. Using social contract theory, I contend that artists, as creators, should retain rights to their work, and the system should ensure they are acknowledged and compensated. Furthermore, examining this issue through the lens of Kantianism, which emphasizes respect for individuals and their contributions, underscores the ethical obligation to uphold the dignity of artists in the digital age.