Governing Artificial Intelligence: An Analogical Approach to Cultivate Shared Knowledge and Generate Newfound Insight

Artificial intelligence is a promising, powerful technological capability that has shown tremendous potential in various industries such as commerce, transportation, and education. However, as with any emerging technology, there is a need for governance. Supportive policies can be instrumental in facilitating technological development while detrimental regulations can halt technical progress altogether. Despite the importance and criticality of governing artificial intelligence, it is not a straightforward task. The main difficulty is a lack of shared understanding regarding artificial intelligence. Stakeholders–such as policymakers, researchers, and citizens–have varying levels of knowledge and unique perspectives surrounding artificial intelligence. Without a common ground of understanding, it is impossible to have an efficient and effective policymaking process. My research argues that using analogies to understand artificial intelligence is both beneficial and imperative in cultivating a shared understanding of the nuances of the technology.