AI Is Notbusinessethics
The Difference Between a Helpful Mistake and a Dangerous One
Decision consequences of the difference between a helpful mistake and a dangerous one.
27 Dec 2025•1 min read•
The core idea
The Difference Between a Helpful Mistake and a Dangerous One highlights a failure mode that appears only after AI is embedded in real decisions.
What actually happens
AI systems operate on patterns, not consequences. When they are placed inside workflows without clear ownership:
- errors propagate
- responsibility blurs
- humans disengage too early
System insight
Most failures are not technical - they are organizational.
How to think about it
Ask three questions before deploying AI:
- What decision is being influenced?
- Who approves the outcome?
- What happens if it’s wrong?
Takeaway
AI should accelerate judgment - not replace accountability.