Crafting Conscience: Developing a Sustainable Ethical Framework for AI Integration in the Humanities and Social Sciences

This article focuses on the critical intersection where artificial intelligence (AI) meets the humanities and social sciences and argues for the establishment of a sustainable ethical framework for the use of AI in these fields. As AI technologies become increasingly embedded in various aspects of humanities and social science research, from digital humanities projects to computer-assisted social science, the need for an ethical compass is becoming more pressing. This article identifies the unique challenges and opportunities that the integration of AI into these traditionally qualitative disciplines brings, including issues of interpretive complexity, cultural sensitivity, and the potential of AI to both illuminate and obfuscate understanding. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives, the paper proposes the introduction of a set of ethical principles and practical guidelines designed to promote the responsible use of AI in humanities and social sciences research as well as education. These principles stress the importance of fairness, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness and respect for cultural and contextual diversity. The proposed framework is based on a participatory approach that involves stakeholders from different disciplines in co-creating ethical AI practices. Through a series of case studies, the article illustrates how AI can be used to improve human insight and social science research without compromising ethical standards or cultural integrity. The conclusion highlights the sustainable nature of this ethical endeavour and calls for a dynamic and flexible framework that evolves with AI technology and societal values. The paper intends to contribute to the broader debate on AI ethics offering a path towards the responsible integration of AI in the humanities and social sciences.