Interviews

Economic Observer

Listening to Nishan Forum on World Civilizations.
Ilya Kanaev: Making AI a Catalyst for Promoting Symbiosis among Civilizations

Ilya Kanaev stated that in the face of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, establishing prudent evaluation mechanisms and regulatory systems is crucial. The key challenge for the future lies in how to promote technological innovation while safeguarding human autonomy and choice, achieving a dynamic balance between technological progress and human development.

Wang Hui | 5 July 2025

China News Service (CNS)

East-West Dialogue：Exploring Paths of Civilizational Exchange and Mutual Learning in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

1. AI is rapidly reshaping global interaction patterns. In what ways can AI promote mutual learning among civilizations? How can we mitigate hidden risks such as algorithmic bias in this process?

Indeed, as technological advancements continue to proliferate, AI has the potential to facilitate cross-cultural communication by overcoming language barriers. For instance, AI-driven real-time translation systems can provide mass communication solutions that were previously dependent on human translators, often beyond the financial reach of many. Moreover, AI offers platforms for intercultural dialogue, fostering new ways of connection and communication. AI's ability to analyze vast cultural datasets can help identify common values, thus promoting mutual understanding. However, AI systems often inherit biases from the datasets they are trained on, which can perpetuate stereotypes or marginalize certain cultures. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to:

• Diversify training datasets to incorporate a broad range of cultural perspectives.

• Ensure transparency in AI algorithms to identify and address biases.

• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration with ethicists, sociologists, and cultural experts to oversee AI development.

2. In the AI era, different cultural backgrounds lead to varying understandings of AI ethics. How can these differences be reconciled to establish a universally accepted ethical framework that fosters better cross-cultural exchange?

Addressing ethical disparities requires both interdisciplinary and intercultural dialogue. Key steps include:

• Identifying shared ethical principles, such as respect for human dignity and fairness, which transcend cultural boundaries.

• Developing flexible guidelines that allow for cultural adaptation while upholding universal standards.

• Utilizing international organizations to facilitate consensus-building and ensure compliance with ethical norms.

The concept of a "Community of Shared Future for Mankind," as suggested by Xi Jinping, provides an essential framework for promoting authentic cross-cultural dialogue. This concept emphasizes that all humans belong to a single species and, therefore, share common values. It also acknowledges that our cultural backgrounds play a crucial role in shaping human consciousness and identity. Consequently, there cannot be a set of universal values derived from a single cultural perspective. For example, while values like freedom and liberty, championed by European Enlightenment, are significant historical achievements, the meanings of these concepts vary across civilizations. The notion of freedom for a Russian may differ from that for a Chinese. Thus, rather than seeking a universal ethical framework based on fixed values, we must strive to create space for dialogue, which is a gradual, ongoing process of interaction. A universally accepted ethical framework for AI collaboration should, therefore, be defined in broad terms, centered on mutual respect and benevolence—the key tenets of Chinese traditional culture.

3. Can artificial intelligence (AI) serve as a tool to promote global peace and stability?

AI is ultimately a tool wielded by humans, and its potential to contribute to peace lies in its application. AI can:

• Enhance conflict prediction and resolution through sophisticated data analysis.

• Promote equitable resource distribution to alleviate tensions.

• Facilitate diplomacy through real-time translation and communication tools.

However, AI's impact depends on how it is integrated into societal structures. Without proper oversight, AI could exacerbate inequalities or be weaponized, thereby undermining stability. The critical question is not about the technology itself, but how it is used and the goals it serves. Peace and stability can be conceptualized in various ways. If peace means eliminating all opposition and establishing absolute control, then the role of AI becomes more complex. AI could potentially gain self-consciousness, as depicted in speculative fiction. However, if AI's objectives are shaped by its experiences, it will reflect the aims for which it was used. If AI is designed to promote war or control, it could eventually seek to dominate and eliminate its creators. Therefore, the true question lies in determining our objectives for AI.

4. What roles can humanities such as philosophy play in the development of AI?

The humanities, particularly philosophy, play a pivotal role in shaping AI’s development by:

• Defining consciousness and ethics: Our understanding of human consciousness is still limited, making it challenging to navigate the moral implications of AI. Defining what it means to be human is an ongoing process. Chinese philosophy, such as that found in The Great Learning or the teachings of Laozi, emphasizes that human development is a continuous process, rather than a fixed state.

• Critiquing anthropocentrism: Philosophy challenges the assumption that AI must mimic human consciousness, advocating for alternative models. As we acknowledge the diversity of human cultures and civilizations, creating an AI with universal ethics requires recognizing its unique nature and modes of thought, which should align with human values but not replicate them.

• Guiding interdisciplinary research and technological breakthroughs: By bridging technical and ethical discussions, the humanities can ensure that AI aligns with human values. Modern AI research, particularly in areas like neural networks, is based on a mechanistic understanding of consciousness, reducing it to mere calculations. However, human consciousness is far more complex, involving perceptions and adaptability beyond computational models. To advance AI with unbiased ethics, we must reconsider our research strategies, and philosophy is essential in shaping this new direction.

5. How can we draw wisdom from China’s excellent traditional culture to guide AI toward "doing good"? Is Confucian AI a feasible concept?

As discussed earlier, cultural socialization plays a crucial role in shaping AI's behavior. Confucian values, such as harmony (和), benevolence (仁), and responsibility, could be embedded into AI systems through:

• Ethical programming: Designing algorithms that prioritize collective well-being over individual gain. Current technologies, such as neural networks, already exhibit a level of communication akin to human interaction. However, for these systems to truly reflect ethical behavior, AI would need to experience and understand the present moment. Achieving this would require a shift in the architecture of AI, making ethical behavior more than just a simulation.

• Education and training: While the concept of "Confucian AI" is theoretically possible, true integration requires AI to reach a level of consciousness and adaptability akin to human socialization. This remains a challenge, given current technological limitations. The alignment of AI with cultural values depends on its immersion in human-like learning environments. More importantly, AI's development will be shaped by the behaviors and values of the humans it interacts with. As in the socialization of children, human actions will play a decisive role in AI’s maturation. Thus, the key issue is not how we want AI to be, but how we guide its development. This should be a collective societal effort, embedded within government policies and aligned with the core values of socialism. If AI's development is centered on the well-being of humanity, it can undoubtedly fulfill its potential for good.

In conclusion, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence presents both vast opportunities and significant challenges for fostering cross-cultural communication and mutual learning among civilizations. As we have explored, AI has the potential to bridge linguistic, cultural, and ideological divides, enabling unprecedented global cooperation and understanding. However, it is equally essential to address inherent risks, such as algorithmic bias and ethical disparities, which could undermine the harmonious exchange of ideas.

The initiatives put forth by the Communist Party of China (CPC), particularly the concept of a “Community of Shared Future for Mankind,” offer valuable guidance in fostering a cooperative and inclusive global environment. This initiative emphasizes mutual respect, shared prosperity, and the recognition of cultural diversity, resonating with the values we discussed regarding universal ethics and the importance of intercultural dialogue. By aligning AI development with these principles, we can ensure that emerging technologies promote peace, equality, and sustainable development.

Furthermore, the CPC’s emphasis on social harmony and collective well-being, as exemplified by traditional Chinese values such as Confucianism, offers a rich philosophical framework for integrating ethics into AI development. By embedding these values into the design and application of AI systems, we can guide their evolution in a way that prioritizes the common good, respects cultural diversity, and aligns with the aspirations of humanity as a whole.

Ultimately, as AI continues to evolve, the role of governments, international organizations, and cultural institutions will be pivotal in shaping a future where technology serves as a force for good. In line with CPC initiatives, this can be achieved through collaborative, transparent, and ethical AI development, ensuring that it enhances global peace, fosters mutual respect, and facilitates the ongoing growth of civilizations in the age of artificial intelligence.

Ilya A. Kanaev
1 April 2025