Ideal theory in AI ethics

TL;DR

This paper critically examines the reliance on ideal theory in AI ethics research, analyzing its implications and exploring pathways toward a nonideal, more practical approach for the field.

Contribution

It identifies the structural and methodological reasons behind the dominance of ideal theory in AI ethics and discusses how shifting away from it could improve research quality.

Findings

Ideal theory influences AI ethics research methodology.

Current focus on ideal theory may limit practical relevance.

Nonideal approaches could enhance the field's impact.

Abstract

This paper addresses the ways AI ethics research operates on an ideology of ideal theory, in the sense discussed by Mills (2005) and recently applied to AI ethics by Fazelpour \& Lipton (2020). I address the structural and methodological conditions that attract AI ethics researchers to ideal theorizing, and the consequences this approach has for the quality and future of our research community. Finally, I discuss the possibilities for a nonideal future in AI ethics.