7th of November 2024
written by Louis de Diesbach
In the vast world of podcasts dedicated to technology and ethics, some episodes stand out more than others. For me, if there’s only one episode to remember in Trench Tech, it would be this one: Episode 19 of Season 3. For over a year, I’ve been collaborating on this extraordinary project with the goal of spreading a critical perspective on technology, making it more ethical and human-centered. Needless to say, I’ve listened to quite a few episodes—some multiple times—and the one featuring Enrico Panai is perhaps one of the most essential.
This episode is unique because it features Enrico Panai, an internationally renowned ethicist. A member of the French AI Standards Committee at AFNOR and a key player in developing European standards for the AI Act (EU AI Act), Enrico is also the president of the AAIE (Association of AI Ethicists), an association of which I have the honor to be a part.
A powerful idea discussed in this episode is the true role of an ethicist within a company. Contrary to what one might think, an ethicist doesn’t make ethical decisions. Rather, they serve as a guide, a facilitator of decision-making, someone who ensures the right questions are asked, reorienting the discussion if needed—without being a moral authority or a judge of what’s “right.” This distinction is essential to understanding how ethics is integrated into a workplace environment.
Another crucial concept highlighted by Enrico is that ethics comes after compliance, rather than replacing it. In other words, adherence to laws is a prerequisite, while ethics allows us to delve deeper, exploring aspects often overlooked by regulation. Compliance and ethics go hand in hand, with the latter enabling a deeper reflection on specific facets of technology and its impact.
I had the opportunity to meet Enrico when he visited Brussels earlier this year. We shared a coffee, discussing ethics, philosophy, and the impactful work of Luciano Floridi, a notable figure in the field.
We also touched on the incredible contributions of Emmanuel R. Goffi, another ethicist and friend.
This exchange left a lasting impression on me, strengthening my conviction in the importance of open and deep dialogue around ethics.
This episode with Enrico Panai is an invitation to rethink the role of ethics in technology. More than just a discussion, it’s a reminder of the importance of questioning the future we are building with artificial intelligence and of approaching technology with responsibility and depth.
Discover the full podcast here: Watch on YouTube
Written by Louis de Diesbach
Tech ethicist and consultant
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