Research
A living record of KARL's research developmental cycle.
May 1st, 2025
aTi: A Framework for Quantifying Cultural Emergence for Responsible AI Systems
Abstract
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence systems has raised critical questions about their social, ethical, and practical implications. Many of these technologies are made by the few to represent the many, resulting in a considerable amount of harmful biases. While extensive research exists on AI bias and ethics, there lacks a comprehensive framework for understanding how culture, the foundation of bias, manifests in AI systems. This paper proposes aTi (pron. Ah Tee), a framework for holistically studying and quantifying cultural emergence in artificial intelligence systems. We base aTi on four key components: values, behavioral patterns, decision algorithms, and experiences, which serve as activation points where culture can emerge. Our framework categorizes artificial systems into first-order and second-order artificial culture categories, offering a nuanced approach to understanding the complexity of cultural emergence in AI systems. Through a case study of ChatGPT, we demonstrate the practical application of our framework and explore its implications for future AI development. This work contributes to the growing discourse on responsible AI development by providing a systematic approach to understanding and addressing cultural considerations in artificial systems.
Oct 1st, 2025
Abstract
While most research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy and governance has focused on regions like the EU, US, and China, Africa's unique landscape requires innovative research to leverage the strengths and address challenges specific to the African and pan-African geo-political context. This chapter addresses this topic via three interconnected perspectives: first, we critically examine the current state of AI governance and policy in Africa; second, we highlight who stands to benefit and who is harmed under existing global AI governance frameworks; and third, we propose a holistic framework for AI governance in Africa, drawing on lessons from dynamic and adaptable policy models that would enable African states to leapfrog existing global powers. A central argument of this chapter is the need to integrate indigenous governance systems into AI policy and governance systems. By applying principles from African cultural frameworks, such as the complimentary leadership structures of Indigenous Akan states, African countries can ensure that AI systems reflect local values, reduce anti-African and anti-Black biases, and are tailored to the needs of their populations. Furthermore, we argue that AI development and innovation in Africa need not follow the patterns established by Western or Eastern nations; instead, it should be based on African societies’ unique needs, desires, and cultural contexts. Through this approach...
Oct 1st, 2025
Abstract
Large Language Models act as an all-inclusive ground for engagement. However, the output of these models is not always aligned with the correct human preferences or values. This can produce a large range of inappropriate and offensive content. In human culture/society, proverbs act as a way to transmit and shape human values and behavior. In this research, we experiment to determine whether or not proverbs can play the same role for LLMs in transmitting and aligning to human values. Additionally, we research to determine how we can prompt LLMs to generate their own set of rules for categories of human values and use that as a means to align future-generated content to said values.