The Ghost in the Machine: Ethical Implications of AI in Moral Education

Safeguarding Human Agency and Equity in Algorithmic Learning Environments

Abstract

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes integrated into pedagogical frameworks, the ethical dimensions of automated instruction require urgent scrutiny. This article examines the impact of AI on the development of moral agency and critical thinking in students. While adaptive learning technologies offer personalized educational paths, they also raise significant concerns regarding algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the potential erosion of the teacher-student ethical bond. Drawing on virtue ethics and contemporary digital theory, the research argues for a "human-centered" AI policy in education. This study contributes to JREE by providing a philosophical roadmap for maintaining ethical integrity in an increasingly automated educational landscape.