NJIKO: A Multi-Disciplinary Journal of Humanities, Law, Education and Social Sciences

The rapid development and widespread application of artificial intelligence (AI) have introduced complex ethical challenges that question traditional notions of moral agency, accountability, and responsibility. As Al systems increasingly perform autonomous functions in critical areas such as healthcare, transportation, security, and governance, concerns arise regarding who should be held morally responsible when such systems cause harm or make morally significant decisions. This study examined the ethical problem of moral responsibility in artificial intelligence through the philosophical frameworks of Immanuel Kant's deontological ethics and John Stuart Mill's utilitarianism. Using a conceptual and analytical methodology, the study clarified key ethical concepts such as artificial intelligence, moral responsibility, autonomy, and ethical agency. It critically analyzed Kant's emphasis on duty, intention, rational autonomy, and respect for persons, arguing that AI systems lack the rational selflegislation required for moral agency (Kant, 1985). The work further explores the utilitarian approach, which evaluated Al actions based on consequences and overall social utility, highlighting its relevance is in reveals that while policy-oriented and outcome-driven technological contexts (Mill, 1963). The study of both ethical theories offer valuable insights, neither is fully sufficient in addressing the unique moral challenges posed by AI. Kantian ethics strongly safeguards human dignity but struggles with outcome based decision-making, whereas utilitarianism accommodates technological efficiency but risks neglecting individual rights. The study concluded that moral responsibility for AI actions ultimately resides with human agents and institutions, and it recommends a hybrid ethical framework that integrates classical ethical theories with contemporary approaches to Al governance.

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