What AI can’t feel: Why human emotions will always lead

Emotional intelligence, which stems from our CNS-mediated emotional capacity, is the cornerstone of effective leadership. It allows humans to empathize with others, understand their perspectives, and respond to their needs in ways that foster connection and collaboration.

The burgeoning capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) systems raise a provocative question - If AI can outperform humans in almost all cognitive tasks, what remains the unique domain of human beings? As AI evolves, the temptation to concede leadership to seemingly superior AI systems grows. In a profound exploration published in AI & Soc (2024), William Stewart’s research paper titled "The Human Biological Advantage over AI" delves into the intrinsic differences between AI and human beings, asserting a compelling case for why humans remain indispensable in roles requiring emotional intelligence and ethical judgment.

The study underscores the human central nervous system (CNS) as the foundation of the human experience, facilitating a depth of emotional intelligence that is crucial for leadership and ethical decision-making. Unlike AI, which processes data and performs tasks based on pre-programmed algorithms, the human CNS integrates sensory experiences with emotional responses. This integration allows humans to experience a rich spectrum of emotions - from sorrow to joy - and these emotions play a pivotal role in shaping our ethical frameworks.

The ability to feel pain, empathy, joy, and love through the CNS not only enriches human life but also informs our moral judgments and behaviors, providing a nuanced understanding that is essential for leadership. For instance, empathy, derived from our emotional experiences, is critical in roles such as healthcare, education, and governance, where understanding and addressing the needs and sufferings of others are paramount.

Emotional intelligence: The core of ethical decision-making

Leadership isn’t just about making logical decisions or optimizing outcomes - it’s about understanding people, building trust, and navigating the complexities of human relationships. Emotional intelligence, which stems from our CNS-mediated emotional capacity, is the cornerstone of effective leadership. It allows humans to empathize with others, understand their perspectives, and respond to their needs in ways that foster connection and collaboration.

The author highlights real-world scenarios to illustrate the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. In healthcare, for instance, doctors and nurses often face situations where clinical logic must be balanced with compassion. An AI might recommend the most efficient treatment for a terminal patient, but only a human caregiver can sit beside them, hold their hand, and offer the comfort of genuine empathy. Similarly, in governance, leaders must navigate competing interests and ethical dilemmas, balancing economic priorities with social justice. These decisions require not just intellectual analysis but also emotional understanding and moral courage.

AI’s Ethical Limitations: Why machines cannot replace humans

While AI excels at processing data and making logical decisions, its limitations in ethical reasoning are profound. Ethical decision-making requires more than calculating the most efficient outcome—it demands an understanding of the emotional and moral consequences of actions. AI systems, no matter how advanced, operate within the constraints of their programming and training data. They lack the experiential grounding that allows humans to intuitively grasp the nuances of ethical dilemmas.

The author draws a compelling parallel between AI and human psychopaths. Like psychopaths, AI can mimic empathy without truly feeling it. This simulation might suffice in some situations, but it lacks the depth and authenticity required for genuine ethical behavior. Psychopaths, for example, can manipulate others by pretending to care, but their inability to genuinely empathize makes their actions self-serving and ultimately harmful. Similarly, AI might simulate ethical reasoning but lacks the intrinsic connection to human values that ensures long-term ethical consistency.

The risks of over-reliance on AI

Stewart warns against the growing temptation to delegate leadership and ethical decision-making to AI. As machines become more capable, there’s a risk that society might prioritize efficiency over humanity, sidelining the emotional and ethical dimensions of leadership. This reliance on AI could lead to a dehumanized world where decisions are optimized for outcomes rather than values.

The paper underscores the dangers of assuming that AI can develop sustainable ethical systems. Without a CNS, AI lacks the “skin in the game” that ensures ethical behavior is grounded in lived experience. AI might calculate that helping a person is the optimal choice in one scenario, but its lack of emotional investment makes it incapable of understanding the deeper significance of that choice.

The synergy of human and AI capabilities

Rather than viewing AI as a threat, Stewart advocates for a collaborative approach where machines enhance human capabilities without replacing them. AI can be a powerful tool for analyzing data, identifying patterns, and generating insights, but humans must remain at the helm. Leadership, with its reliance on emotional intelligence, ethical reasoning, and human connection, should remain firmly in human hands.

To ensure this balance, Stewart calls for multidisciplinary collaboration among technologists, ethicists, neuroscientists, and policymakers. Together, they can shape the future of AI in ways that uphold human values and preserve the unique qualities that make us capable of ethical leadership.