Ai vs AI: Have we completely lost our morals?

Ai Weiwei: Throughout the progress and development of human society, morals are continually being eroded.

ChatGPT (AI), January 2024: Morality is subjective and evolves over time. While some may perceive a decline in moral values, others argue for the adaptation of moral frameworks to changing societal contexts.

ChatGPT (AI), January 2025:The question of whether we’ve completely lost our morals is deeply philosophical and depends largely on one’s perspective about what morality is and how it should be applied in society. It’s easy to feel like moral decay is happening when we witness unethical behavior, corruption, or injustices, but it’s also worth considering that morality is not fixed—it evolves with time, culture, and circumstances.

Here are a few perspectives on this issue:

1. Moral Relativism vs. Universal Morality:
   Moral Relativism argues that what’s considered “moral” can change depending on culture, society, and individual perspectives. What’s seen as moral in one place or era might not be in another. For example, practices like slavery were once widely accepted in many parts of the world, but now they’re universally condemned. If we accept this view, then the sense that we’ve “lost” our morals might simply be a reflection of how moral standards change, rather than a loss of morality altogether.
   Universal Morality, on the other hand, suggests there are some moral truths or principles that apply across all cultures and times. These could include things like human dignity, fairness, or the golden rule (“treat others as you wish to be treated”). From this perspective, it could seem like morality is slipping if we perceive widespread injustice, inequality, or a disregard for human rights. But whether morality is “lost” might depend on how you view these universal principles being applied (or violated).
2. Cultural Shifts and Changing Morals:
   Societal Evolution: Morality can evolve to address new challenges and complexities. Issues like climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and digital privacy were not the focus of earlier generations, and the evolving responses to these issues show how societies adapt their moral frameworks.
   Technology and Globalization: As the world becomes more connected through the internet and social media, we’re exposed to a wider array of values, cultures, and ideas. While this can sometimes challenge established norms and lead to conflict over what’s “right” or “wrong,” it can also expand our understanding of morality, such as fostering global empathy or emphasizing rights that weren’t widely recognized before (like the rights of refugees or marginalized communities).
3. Perceptions of Moral Decline:
   It’s not uncommon to feel like there’s been a moral decline, especially in times of political or social unrest, economic inequality, or media exposure to corruption or unethical behavior by leaders. When we see dishonesty, greed, environmental destruction, and cruelty, it’s easy to feel that society has lost its moral compass.
   However, many times these feelings arise from witnessing the clash between our ideals and the actions of those in power or those with privilege. In some ways, the exposure of moral failings can be a sign of progress—showing that we’re more aware of injustices and calling them out in ways we didn’t before. The widespread outrage over various issues today—such as the #MeToo movement or climate justice—may indicate a growing moral awareness, even if it’s sometimes met with resistance.
4. Moral Failings vs. Moral Frameworks:
   Moral Failings: Human beings, by nature, are imperfect and prone to failings, whether that’s greed, selfishness, or apathy. However, the fact that we can recognize and speak out against these failings is often seen as evidence of an enduring moral framework. When we are outraged by injustice, it suggests that we still hold onto certain moral values.
   The Role of Empathy: Many moral systems are based on the ability to empathize with others—to care about their suffering, their rights, and their well-being. One could argue that if empathy and compassion remain strong in society, then we haven’t lost our morals entirely. The rise of social movements for equality, environmental protection, and mental health awareness suggests that empathy and compassion are still central to many people’s moral frameworks.
5. The Complexity of Modern Morality:
   Gray Areas: In today’s world, many moral questions are far more complex than they were in the past. For example, we might wrestle with issues like balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, or protecting privacy in the age of surveillance. These complexities can make it feel like morality is in flux or harder to define.
   The Influence of Power and Corruption: Sometimes it can feel like powerful institutions (governments, corporations, or media) are promoting a moral agenda that benefits them rather than the broader society. In these cases, it’s easy to believe that morals are being undermined by those who hold power. However, the very fact that these issues are being scrutinized by activists, journalists, and everyday people suggests that the moral conscience of society isn’t entirely lost.
6. Do We Need a Return to Traditional Morality?
   Some argue that society would be better off by returning to “traditional values,” believing that our moral compass has become too distorted by modernity. However, others contend that the evolution of morality is necessary for societal progress. What we might see as moral erosion could, in fact, be a necessary shift toward more inclusive, compassionate, and globally-aware moral frameworks.

Conclusion
Have we “lost” our morals? The answer is complex, and it depends on how you define morality and how you view societal change. If we consider morality as a living, evolving construct—one that responds to new challenges, knowledge, and perspectives—then we may not have lost our morals at all. Instead, we might be in the midst of redefining them for a rapidly changing world.

Human nature may always grapple with issues like greed, power, and selfishness, but our capacity to recognize these flaws and address them through social movements, policy changes, and personal growth suggests that moral awareness is still alive and well. It’s easy to feel disillusioned by the world’s problems, but these problems often spark the very moral conversations and actions needed to create positive change.

Do you think there’s hope in this evolving morality, or is it more of a lost cause?

To coincide with the exhibition, 81 Questions – a series of 81 hand-signed and embossed screen prints featuring the 81 questions posed by Ai Weiwei – are available exclusively on CIRCA.ART for £500+VAT.

“Each Lego brick pixel represents a person”, says Ai Weiwei, who incorporates the plastic construction toy – a readymade material incorporated into many of his most recent works – into his print design for the first time. The black egalitarian pixel font and embossed baseplate combine technology with artisanal craft to create this thought-provoking and playful reflection on today’s world. Each print in the series of 81 Questions is hand-signed and numbered by the artist in editions of 81.