Buddhist Ethics and Responsibility in AI Governance

Abstract

This article analyzes the philosophical relationship between Buddhist ethics and artificial intelligence (AI) by examining relevant literature on the concepts of AI, the impacts of AI usage, the principles of responsibility in AI development, and the governance of AI based on Buddhist ethics. The findings reveal four key insights. First, AI possesses significant potential for enhancing work efficiency and decision-making but lacks intention (cetana) and consciousness as defined in Buddhist philosophy; consequently, any karmic consequences revert to the human designers and users. Second, the impacts of AI usage encompass both benefits and risks, particularly algorithmic bias, privacy violations, accountability gaps, and adverse effects on employment and mental well-being. Third, responsibility in AI can be explained through the concept of distributed karma, which assigns accountability to all stakeholders across the development chain in proportion to their intention and authority. Fourth, Buddhist ethical principles, especially the Five Precepts (pancasila) and Right Livelihood (samma ajiva), can serve as a normative framework for AI governance that promotes responsibility, transparency, and non-harm. The study contributes a novel theoretical model integrating Buddhist moral philosophy with contemporary technology ethics and proposes practical guidelines for embedding these principles into national AI policy.