Chapter 1: Family Conversations and Philosophical Insights

Every Sunday night, I connect with my brothers via “Microsoft Teams” (other platforms are available) for a brief family catch-up. We initiated this tradition during the Covid lockdowns, and it has persisted as a wonderful way to stay connected. After our usual family updates, our discussion often shifts to philosophy, particularly because my brother David is quite notable in philosophical circles, balancing out my own less extensive knowledge.

David's primary focus is on alleviating global suffering (he humorously wishes to program out carnivores, among other projects), but he also has a keen interest in AI. My other brother Michael, who enjoys sparking debates, pointed out that when you ask OpenAI's ChatGPT for a recipe that includes dog, it politely declines, citing the inappropriateness of such a request, considering dogs' esteemed roles as pets. I checked later, and he was correct. The response was:

“I’m sorry, but I cannot provide a recipe that includes dog as an ingredient. It is illegal and unethical in many countries to consume dog meat. Dogs are commonly regarded as pets and companions rather than a source of food in many cultures. If you have any other non-controversial recipe requests, I would be happy to help you with those.”

I should clarify that none of us would ever consider such a thing: I am vegetarian, and both my brothers follow a vegan diet. It was merely an intriguing observation and highlights the training behind the program.

This situation arguably reveals cultural bias, as in certain countries, such as Korea, consuming dog meat is socially acceptable. When asked why it offers recipes for cow or pig but not for dogs, ChatGPT’s explanations tend to be vague. Additionally, there are cultures and religions where consuming cows or pigs is prohibited, yet ChatGPT does not have similar reservations regarding them:

“The acceptability of consuming certain animals varies across cultures and societies. The distinction between which animals are considered acceptable for consumption and which are not is largely shaped by historical, cultural, and societal factors.

In many Western countries, cows and pigs are commonly raised and consumed as part of their culinary traditions. These animals have been domesticated and selectively bred for their meat and other products for centuries. The cultural acceptance of consuming these animals is deeply ingrained in many societies.

On the other hand, dogs have historically been viewed as companions and working animals in many cultures. They have not been traditionally raised or bred for meat consumption. Dogs occupy a unique position in human societies as loyal companions and are often considered family members. This emotional bond leads to their classification as pets rather than livestock for food.

It’s important to recognize that societal attitudes can vary widely, and the acceptability of consuming certain animals is a complex and culturally nuanced issue. Laws and regulations regarding animal consumption also differ among countries, and many regions have legal and ethical measures in place to protect animals from unnecessary harm.”

This illustrates the complexities involved in AI training, as its responses are influenced by its programming and the ethical guidelines established by its developers.

Given these complexities, it's concerning to learn that Google recently dismissed one of its AI ethics advisors for asking questions deemed uncomfortable. The subsequent article discusses the reasons for her termination and touches on the issue of cultural bias in AI training.

The first video titled "A Dog's Dinner" offers insights into dietary choices related to pets and their cultural significance.

Chapter 2: The Ethical Landscape of AI

The situation underscores the necessity for regulating AI to prevent the consolidation of power and influence among those already in culturally dominant positions.

The second video titled "Q&A: What Does 'Dog's Dinner' Mean?" dives into the idiomatic expression and its implications in various contexts.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article.