Artificial intelligence as a moral mentor

Abstract

This paper explores the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to serve as a moral mentor. Drawing on existing AI models for moral enhancement—the substitution, advisor, and interlocutor models—the paper critiques their limitations, such as diminished human autonomy, insufficient mechanisms for deep moral revision, and neglect of emotional and transformative experiences. In response, it proposes an enhanced AI mentor model, the ‘E-Daimonion,’ designed to foster moral growth through early childhood education and transformative experiences, particularly via storytelling. By immersing users in emotionally engaging narratives, the model aims to inspire profound moral insights, empathy, and enduring motivation for ethical behaviour. The paper discusses potential challenges, including risks of dependence, manipulation, and indoctrination, while advocating safeguards to mitigate these risks.

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