Beyond the Principles: Applied AI Ethics for Real Decisions
It is easy to agree with ethical principles in the abstract. It can be harder to use them when you are making an actual decision, under pressure, with incomplete information and real trade-offs.
This session is a hands-on workshop for people working with AI in policy, delivery, governance, design, or assurance contexts. The focus is practical: how to think through difficult choices, test assumptions, and make better decisions in real-world settings.
In this session, we will:
work through a real or realistic AI scenario in small groups
use a structured process to support reflection, deliberation, and decision-making
explore competing pressures, risks, and trade-offs
compare how different groups approach the same challenge
The aim is to give participants a practical way to approach difficult AI decisions, especially where there is ambiguity, tension, or no obvious right answer. It should also create useful discussion across different perspectives and leave people with something they can take straight back into their own work.
This will be a working session rather than a lecture. The format is built around discussion, reflection, and testing ideas with others in the room, in line with the CoLab’s broader focus on practical collaboration, experimentation, and learning through action.
The workshop is hosted by AI Ethicist Nate Kinch. Nate has been leading applied ethics in the public and private sector for over a decade.
AI CoLab events are intentionally open and collaborative. We capture photos, audio, and AI-generated transcripts so we can remix key insights for the AI CoLab Alliance community. This is always done in line with the Charter’s values; transparent, ethical innovation and knowledge sharing to accelerate collective learning (see join.aicolab.org). By participating in an AI CoLab event, you agree to your contributions being captured and shared in accordance with this policy.