According to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of
Scotland (ICAS), “There has been a lot in the media recently about Artificial
Intelligence (AI). One of the most difficult tasks for any AI designer will be
to replicate the ability to place ethical considerations into the
decision-making process. Whilst this might be easier for certain aspects, such
as determining compliance with a set of rules on auditor independence, it will
be much trickier in other areas where a real understanding of the
circumstances, and possible available courses of action, is required.”
The ICAS has prepared guidance for those faced with such
dilemmas by publishing a Discussion Paper on Ethics Principles and an Ethical
Decision-Making Framework. To learn more, read the ICAS discussion paper, The Five Fundamental Ethics Principles: Time
for Evaluation? and the ICAS guidance on an Ethical Decision-Making Framework.
In addition, review the guidance entitled, What Do You Do Now? Ethical Issues
Encountered by Chartered Accountants, and the ICAS ethical dilemmas
series called Shades of Grey.
