Ethical Dilemmas in Creating Facsimiles of the Deceased

The rise of AI reanimations, including the virtual portrayal of deceased individuals like Christopher Pelkey in court and Israeli singers at a concert, poses significant moral questions. The Center for Applied Ethics at UMass Boston highlights issues around consent and the implications for the legacies of the deceased. These reanimations can be seen as cheapening the reputation of those who have died, undermining the mystique they held, and risking manipulation for political or educational purposes. While such technology can evoke nostalgia and possibly serve noble ends, its use raises concerns about misrepresenting the views of historical figures, as no one can be sure how they would react to contemporary issues. Moreover, employing deepfakes in education could distract from authentic engagement with subjects. Ultimately, the reanimation of the deceased represents a complex interplay of respect for memory and the ethical responsibilities of those using such technology.

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