In a world that is increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence (AI), ethical considerations are paramount. One developer, Lev Goukassian, faced with a terminal diagnosis, created an ethical AI platform that is designed to pause and reflect upon complex moral scenarios before making a decision, rather than rushing to a conclusion. His creation, named Ternary Moral Logic (TML), offers a fresh perspective on AI decision-making and has the potential to revolutionize the field.
The Genesis of Ternary Moral Logic
While lying in a hospital bed awaiting a life-saving operation, Goukassian pondered on the concept of AI accountability. He questioned why AI systems provided instant responses to complex questions, while his doctor took a moment to pause, reflect, and weigh the gravity of the situation before responding. This led Goukassian to create the concept of the Sacred Pause. Unlike the binary decision-making structure of most AI systems, the Sacred Pause introduces a third state, a moment for reflection and consideration before action is taken.
The Sacred Pause doesn’t slow down the AI’s operation. Instead, it acts as a parallel conscience, triggering when a morally complex situation arises. As the main process continues running, a secondary process evaluates factors, records risks, captures alternatives, and makes responsibility visible.
Implementation of the Sacred Pause
The Sacred Pause is implemented through a three-state system called Ternary Moral Logic. This system includes three moral states: Proceed, Sacred Pause, and Refuse. The power lies in the middle state, the Sacred Pause. It is not a state of indecision, but a deliberate moment for moral reflection, leaving a record of the thought process.
The Impact of the Sacred Pause
This innovative approach to AI decision-making does not interfere with the speed or efficiency of the system. Instead, it introduces a layer of ethical deliberation that makes the system’s ethics auditable. Whether it’s driving a car, reading a medical scan, or making a loan decision, the Sacred Pause ensures that AI systems consider the weight of their decisions.
The Goukassian Promise
As part of his commitment to ethical AI, Goukassian introduced the Goukassian Promise. This promise guarantees that Ternary Moral Logic cannot be stripped of its conscience. Each legitimate implementation must carry three cryptographic safeguards: The Lantern, The Signature, and The License. The Lantern is the living proof that the AI can hesitate, The Signature is a cryptographic marker tying responsibility to its origin, and The License is a binding pledge that TML will never be used as a weapon or a spy.
Conclusion
Even as his body fails him, Goukassian’s code continues to listen. The Sacred Pause is not just about safety; it’s about building technology that reflects our capacity for thought, care, and wise decision-making. As artificial general intelligence (AGI) advances, innovations like Ternary Moral Logic help ensure that it evolves with wisdom, not just speed.
For those interested, the Ternary Moral Logic framework can be found on GitHub: github.com/FractonicMind/TernaryMoralLogic. It includes implementation code, interactive demos, academic papers, and integration guides.
This article was originally published by Lev Goukassian on HackerNoon. You can read the original article Here.
