The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) has launched a new Council on Artificial Intelligence Ethics, aimed at ensuring that rapid technological innovation remains anchored in human dignity, moral responsibility, and social good.
The initiative was announced at an event in Washington, D.C., where experts from diverse backgrounds outlined how the council will study the societal, philosophical, and ethical implications of AI.
Mission: Innovation With Prudence
According to Anthony Mills, director of AEI’s Center for Technology, Science, and Energy, the council seeks to provide practical resources that balance:
- Innovation with prudence
- Freedom with responsibility
- Technological capability with human dignity
Mills emphasized that the council draws inspiration from the President’s Council on Bioethics, but expands its scope to broader cultural, social, and policy dimensions of AI.
A Diverse Team — Across Traditions and Disciplines
The council features members from secular, religious, liberal, conservative, and academic traditions. Rather than seeking consensus, Mills said the goal is open debate, allowing for “genuine moral inquiry” in a divided society.
Among the members is Brian Boyd, Roman Catholic theologian and director of the Center for Ethics and Economic Justice at Loyola University New Orleans. Boyd also serves as the U.S. faith liaison for the Future of Life Institute.
“We want all of our children to have a future ordered to the goods of our nature,” Boyd said, highlighting the need to prevent technology from being shaped solely by powerful actors.
Panel Discussion: Autonomy, Society & Human Nature
A panel moderated by Luke Burgis brought together leading thinkers including:
- Matthew Crawford, philosopher and senior fellow
- Nita Farahany, scholar of law, philosophy, and emerging technologies
Crawford warned that AI could accelerate “political and economic trends already in motion,” urging policymakers to adopt a systemic perspective.
Farahany stressed the importance of preserving human autonomy, asking:
“What does it mean to be the author of your own thoughts? To know that your choices truly come from you?”
She said the council can play a critical role in guiding policymakers by identifying overlooked questions and potential interventions—particularly around whether AI tools might erode human intellect even as their capabilities expand.
Drawing on Ethical Traditions
The council’s framework draws from thinkers such as Aristotle and Saint Augustine, exploring universal human capabilities and examining concepts like self-determination, agency, and the nature of human thought.
Members said the aim is to provide resources not only for lawmakers and tech experts, but also for:
- Educators
- Parents
- Business leaders
- Community leaders
- Healthcare and scientific professionals
All of whom engage daily with the opportunities and risks of AI.