# A Bibliometric View of AI Ethics Development

**Authors:** Di Kevin Gao, Andrew Haverly, Sudip Mittal, Jingdao Chen  
**arXiv:** [2403.05551](https://arxiv.org/abs/2403.05551)  
**Date:** 2024-02-08  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/2403.05551v1/

## Key points

- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics is a rapidly evolving and crucial research field
- Three distinct phases identified in the development of AI Ethics:
- Incubation phase focused on laying the groundwork for ethical considerations in AI technology
- Making AI more human-like machines phase aimed to imbue artificial intelligence with human characteristics and capabilities
- Making AI more human-centric machines phase emphasized designing AI systems that prioritize human values and well-being
- Researchers speculate on a future "machine-like human" phase of AI ethics, focusing on making AI decision-making processes more machine-like while maintaining ethical standards
- Importance of addressing ethical considerations as AI technologies become increasingly integrated into society

## Summary

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics is a rapidly evolving and crucial research field that has gained significant attention in recent years. With advancements in generative AI and foundational models, there is a growing need to reexamine the ethical implications of AI technology. In a recent study conducted by Di Kevin Gao, Andrew Haverly, Sudip Mittal, and Jingdao Chen, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of AI Ethics literature over the past two decades was carried out using keyword search techniques. The study identified three distinct phases in the development of AI Ethics. The first phase, referred to as the incubation phase, focused on laying the groundwork for ethical considerations in AI technology. This was followed by the phase of making AI more human-like machines, where efforts were made to imbue artificial intelligence with human characteristics and capabilities. The most recent phase identified was centered around making AI more human-centric machines, emphasizing the importance of designing AI systems that prioritize human values and well-being. Looking ahead, the researchers speculate on what they term as the "machine-like human" phase of AI ethics. As artificial intelligence continues to advance and potentially surpass human intellectual capabilities, there is a growing need to shift focus towards making AI more machine-like in its decision-making processes while maintaining ethical standards. This study sheds light on the evolving landscape of  and highlights the importance of addressing ethical considerations as artificial intelligence technologies become increasingly integrated into various aspects of society. By understanding these developmental phases and anticipating future challenges, researchers and policymakers can work towards ensuring that  are designed and implemented in ways that align with ethical principles and societal values.