Robotic Virtue, Military Ethics Education, and the Need for Proper Storytellers
This academic article examines how the introduction of artificial intelligence in military operations challenges traditional understandings of military ethics. The authors propose updating traditional virtues such as courage, moderation, and prudence, while introducing the need for skilled storytelling and translation to help military personnel and policymakers understand AI systems. Ultimately, the paper argues that rational fear and proper narratives can serve as a foundation for shared restraint and regulation in an increasingly AI-driven military reality.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
This article should be read by military ethicists, researchers, defense educators, and policymakers seeking to understand the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in armed conflict.
What the document contains
The paper discusses the application of virtue ethics to military artificial intelligence, the adaptation of military ethics education for AI-driven weapons systems, and the role of narrative translators in bridging technical complexity and human decision-making.
The document does not provide concrete legal regulations, technical specifications for AI algorithms, or formal enforcement mechanisms for international humanitarian law.
- Rapid advances in AI create challenges for traditional moral language and military ethics similar to Alasdair MacIntyre's philosophical warnings.
- Traditional virtues like courage, moderation, and prudence must be rethought and applied to navigate the complexities of AI-enabled military systems.
- A newly emphasized virtue of skilled storytelling and translation is necessary to bridge the gap between complex technical AI operations and human understanding.
- Military education and training must evolve to help operators recognize the limits of AI systems and know when to trust or override them.
- While complete 'explainable AI' in a strict sense is unrealistic, predictable input-output processes and rational shared narratives driven by mutual fear can help establish international restraint.
· I. Introduction · II. Virtues - a. Courage - b. Moderation - c. Prudence - d. Storytelling and translation - e. Virtue as a mean · III. Education and training · IV. Explainable AI? · V. Concluding reflections
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
1/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
It is all the more important that their human developers, enablers, and operators possess them.
V. Concluding reflections
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
0/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
N/A
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
3/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
To hold together the immense complexity and uncertainty of military activities – not least in an age of advanced technology – with the defense of the common good and human dignity requires the kind of practical understanding that the virtue of prudence implies and facilitates.
II. Virtues, c. Prudence
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
0/5Protection of personal data and private life
N/A
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
3/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
We also reflect on the ideal of “explainable AI,” and philosophize about the role of fear in helping us understand what is actually at stake in a military infused with AI-enabled and AI-driven weapons.
Abstract
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
0/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
N/A
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
0/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
N/A
screening score · 2026-10-23