Comparative Analysis of the Ethical Foundations of Islamic and Western Civilizations in the Face of Artificial Intelligence Crises

The expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and its penetration into various aspects of human life have introduced new ethical challenges, such as injustice, lack of accountability, privacy violations, and lack of transparency. Despite significant advancements in this technology, comprehensive and effective frameworks for managing these challenges have yet to be developed. The primary issue addressed in this research is the necessity of formulating ethical frameworks to guide the proper application, design, and ethical implications of AI. Given the widespread impact of AI on economic, social, and political domains, establishing appropriate ethical principles for its sustainable and responsible use appears essential. This study employs an analytical-deductive method and a literature review in the field of technology ethics to examine Kantian ethics, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics, analyzing their applicability to the ethical challenges posed by AI. Additionally, Islamic ethics and its capacity to critique and complement traditional philosophical approaches are presented as part of the proposed solution. The findings indicate that none of the normative theories in moral philosophy alone can fully address all the ethical challenges of AI. Therefore, there is a need for a flexible and dynamic framework that can keep pace with rapid technological advancements and serve as a practical guide for developers, policymakers, and users. Islamic ethics, grounded in religion and human nature, can provide a practical alternative to the shortcomings of traditional ethical approaches and offer a comprehensive model for addressing AI-related ethical issues.
Keywords: Moral Philosophy, Artificial Intelligence, Deontology, Utilitarianism, Virtue Ethics, AI Challenges, Islamic Ethics
 
Introduction
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and its widespread integration into various aspects of human life have brought both significant benefits and complex ethical challenges. Issues such as privacy violations, algorithmic injustice, lack of transparency, and accountability have emerged, raising concerns about the ethical implications of AI-driven decision-making. These challenges indicate that technological progress, without proper ethical considerations, can lead to social, economic, and even legal crises. Despite numerous efforts to establish ethical guidelines for AI, a comprehensive and effective framework that can systematically address these emerging issues has yet to be fully developed. Therefore, the primary focus of this study is to examine the necessity of formulating ethical frameworks to guide, design, and ensure the responsible use of AI. In this regard, classical ethical theories such as Kantian deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics are analyzed and critiqued to assess their effectiveness in addressing AI-related ethical dilemmas. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of Islamic ethics to offer a comprehensive ethical framework that can provide a fresh and practical approach to resolving AI’s ethical crises. The findings indicate that none of the Western normative ethical theories alone can adequately address all ethical challenges posed by AI, emphasizing the need for a flexible and dynamic framework that can adapt to the rapid advancements of this technology. In this context, Islamic ethics, with its divine and holistic perspective, emerges as a viable and effective alternative for guiding AI ethics and establishing sustainable moral principles in this domain.
 
Method and Approach
This study employs an analytical-deductive method, combining theoretical analysis with a review of relevant literature in the field of AI ethics. It examines Kantian deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics, evaluating their alignment with the ethical challenges posed by AI. Additionally, a comparative approach is utilized, critically analyzing these Western ethical theories in contrast with Islamic ethics, highlighting its capacity to offer more comprehensive solutions to AI's ethical dilemmas.
Discussion & result
This article sought to integrate classical moral theories with an analysis of the new challenges posed by artificial intelligence to propose a coherent and comprehensive ethical framework. Principles such as justice, accountability, privacy protection, and transparency must not only be fundamentally embedded in the design and implementation of AI systems but also require a dynamic approach for continuous updates in line with technological advancements.
A notable similarity between Islamic ethics and Western philosophical ethics lies in their shared objective of formulating principles for moral values and ethical conduct. While one perspective argues that ethical AI should maximize desirable outcomes for the majority, the other emphasizes a commitment to intrinsic values, which in the Islamic framework include religion, human life, and dignity. However, these ethical systems differ significantly in their sources and ultimate objectives for moral evaluation. Islamic ethics is derived from divine revelation and considers the metaphysical dimension of moral values, whereas Western normative ethics primarily focuses on rational assessment of behavior to determine what is ethical or unethical.
 
Conclutsion
Holistic Perspective: Islamic ethics addresses all dimensions of human life, both material and spiritual. Unlike secular approaches, which may be limited to worldly or individual aspects, Islam considers otherworldly well-being alongside worldly prosperity.
Flexibility within Stability: While Islamic ethical principles are immutable, they incorporate concepts such as necessity (darurah), public interest (maslahah), and the removal of hardship (raf’ al-haraj), allowing for adaptability to specific or exceptional circumstances. This contrasts with deontology, which often lacks flexibility in exceptional situations. Islam, while upholding its principles, remains responsive to contextual demands.
Balance between Individual and Society: Islamic ethics emphasizes concepts such as justice (‘adl) and equity (qist), ensuring that both individual rights and collective interests are considered. This feature enables Islam to protect the rights of minorities and vulnerable groups without compromising the common good.