Revisiting Aristotle’s Master-Slave Relationship: A Casual Evaluation in the Context of Human-AI Dynamics

Abstract

This paper sought to explore Aristotle's handling of the notion of natural slavery and its relevance in ongoing discussions concerning the ethics of artificial intelligence. Using an extensive literature review covering his discussions on slavery in the Politics and the Nicomachean Ethics, this study delved into the philosophical underpinnings of slavery within Aristotle's political theory and examines its ramifications within the domain of ethical technology. Consequently, while Aristotle's theory of natural slavery suggests that certain individuals are predisposed to service due to deficiencies in rational capacity, this concept was analysed in the context of modern AI technology, raising ethical concerns about autonomy, control and social hierarchy in human AI interactions. By relating Aristotle's philosophical framework to contemporary AI ethics, this study offered an understanding of the ethical implications of advancing technology and encouraged interdisciplinary dialogue between philosophy, ethics and AI research.