Combining technology and ethics

Maximilian Kiener is a new professor at the TU Hamburg

12.06.2023

Since voice software such as Alexa and Siri have made their home in kitchens and living rooms, there has been debate about their utility and the safe use of data shared with these artificial intelligences (AI). In his work, Maximilian Kiener directs a specifically ethical focus on the development of such technologies. In particular, when they increasingly take over tasks that previously could only be done by humans. This includes, for example, communicating freely with others, driving cars, selecting job applicants, or even performing complicated medical tasks. "In my work, I am investigating how we can harness the enormous potential of new technologies such as AI while at the same time achieving an ethically justified approach to their risks," explains the assistant professor of Ethics in Technology at TU Hamburg. 

In some areas, AI has long since surpassed humans: on average, it is the more reliable car driver, and in some areas of medical diagnosis, drug development, or even the performance of treatments and operations, it is already better than trained medical professionals - or promises to be soon. Kiener accompanies this process: "The focus of my work is on so-called analytical moral and legal philosophy, a modern current within philosophy that sees itself as being methodologically closely related to mathematics and the natural sciences," says the junior professor. In doing so, it's a matter of analyzing and weighing. "Because, unfortunately, even the best AI is not perfect: an autonomous driving car can kill people, algorithms can discriminate or violate privacy, and medical AI could misdiagnose or injure patients through treatment errors."

"Technology is never value-neutral"
After studying philosophy and public law at the University of Regensburg, Maximilian Kiener moved to the British University of Oxford, where he earned his master's degree and also received his doctorate in 2019. In 2022, he received the Award of Excellence from Oxford University for his achievements. He has ambitious plans for his work at TU Hamburg: "My goal is to be able to develop the fruits of new technologies for the benefit of all. It's precisely because technology is never value-neutral and always touches on certain norms that a close meshing of ethics and technology is so important." In addition to his research, these goals will also find their way into Kiener's teaching. "I hope to increasingly provide TU Hamburg graduates with interdisciplinary competence for their diverse professional fields." In his private life, the passionate jazz guitarist is especially looking forward to exploring the diverse music scene in Hamburg.

TUHH - Public Relations Office
Elke Schulze
E-Mail: elke.schulze@tuhh.de