The AI Ethics Lab at Rutgers University is a values-driven research initiative.
1. Flow. Researchers at the AI Ethics Lab seek to experience a deep sense of flow, a heightened mental state in which they are completely absorbed in a single activity, experiencing intense focus, full involvement, and concentration. This elevated state is often characterized by a loss of self-awareness and a distorted sense of time, leading to a feeling of “being in the zone” while performing a task. It is a positive psychological state in which the challenge of the activity aligns well with one’s skills and values.
2. Creativity. The AI Ethics Lab actively fosters a creative environment that nurtures everyone’s sense of belonging and helps people feel at ease. We value play as both a research strategy and a way to create a generative, restorative mood.
3. Mental Flexibility. The AI Ethics Lab fosters a culture of openness and a willingness to adapt to new challenges and uncertainties. We cultivate the character strength of seeking to understand other people’s perspectives, aware that understanding need not imply agreement. We take pride in the ability to shift our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors in response to changing circumstances.
4. Freedom of Thought. The AI Ethics Lab does not seek to impose uniformity of thought on what is and is not ethical in the use of artificial intelligence. We value independent thinking and self-differentiated perspectives. This emphasis does not lead to moral relativism but rather to a diversity of ideas reflecting a plurality of moral commitments.
5. Collegiality. Researchers at the AI Ethics Lab prioritize creating a supportive, collegial environment that fosters camaraderie. Collegiality is experienced when everyone contributes to cooperative professional interactions among co-workers, in a spirit of mutual support, working together toward a common goal.
6. Hospitality. The AI Ethics Lab is known for being a hospitable environment where everyone, regardless of rank or title, contributes to a friendly culture, going out of their way to welcome guests and visitors and help them feel that they matter and belong.
7. Honesty. The AI Ethics Lab values honesty, integrity, and trust. This includes being truthful with our research statements and providing source material to justify our positions in the spirit of intellectual honesty. We apply these virtues in our research and our interactions with one another, our partners, and the public.
8. Humility. There is no sense of pretense or self-importance at the AI Ethics Lab. We are grateful for the opportunity to work through big ideas and bring a sense of humility and curiosity to all that we do. We take pride in asking for help and seeking out training and support for items big and small.
9. Resilience. Mistakes happen, and that’s okay. In fact, they’re important to our personal and professional growth. The researchers at the AI Ethics Lab actively foster a culture of resilience, acknowledging hiccups and supporting one another in recovering from setbacks. Our goal is not to practice perfectionism; it is to learn and unlearn what is needed.
10. Transparency. As researchers, we seek to make our methods and ways of thinking transparent to promote replicability. This means we set clear goals, articulate distinct roles and responsibilities, and are transparent about the methods we use to achieve those objectives so that others can replicate these steps if needed.