Artificial intelligence and SDGs, a friend or foe: A perspective of Kantianism

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Humans have keen interests with artificial objects. We consume food and drinks containing artificial coloring while FIFA approves the use of artificial turf for football matches. However, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has gripped the world with its radical changes, triggering not only physical, but also philosophical implications. In this paper, we explore the impact of AI on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and pose the question of whether the human centrality of the SDGs could diminish with the introduction of AI. Drawing on Kant’s concept of universalism and categorical imperatives, we argue that AI cannot safeguard intergenerational justice or meet Kant’s definition of a rational being. This paper presents a brief yet significant perspective, emphasizing the need for caution when integrating AI into the implementation of the SDGs, particularly concerning policy design.