# Exploring Moral Exercises for Human Oversight of AI systems: Insights from Three Pilot Studies

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.15851 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2505.15851/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 5 of its 43 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 20 May 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 5 of 5)

- [Manipulating and Measuring Model Interpretability](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1802.07810/) (2018)
- [Principles alone cannot guarantee ethical AI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1906.06668/) (2019)
- [The Flaws of Policies Requiring Human Oversight of Government Algorithms](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2109.05067/) (2021)
- [On the Quest for Effectiveness in Human Oversight: Interdisciplinary Perspectives](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2404.04059/) (2024)
- [Moral Machine or Tyranny of the Majority?](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2305.17319/) (2023)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This paper elaborates on the concept of moral exercises as a means to help AI actors cultivate virtues that enable effective human oversight of AI systems. We explore the conceptual framework and significance of moral exercises, situating them within the contexts of philosophical discourse, ancient practices, and contemporary AI ethics scholarship. We outline the core pillars of the moral exercises methodology - eliciting an engaged personal disposition, fostering relational understanding, and cultivating technomoral wisdom - and emphasize their relevance to key activities and competencies essential for human oversight of AI systems. Our argument is supported by findings from three pilot studies involving a company, a multidisciplinary team of AI researchers, and higher education students. These studies allow us to explore both the potential and the limitations of moral exercises. Based on the collected data, we offer insights into how moral exercises can foster a responsible AI culture within organizations, and suggest directions for future research.