The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into higher education presents transformative opportunities alongside significant ethical challenges. While AI promises to enhance personalized learning, streamline administration, and improve evaluations, its implementation necessitates critical examination of its ethical implications. This article delves into the multifaceted ethical dimensions of AI use in higher education, exploring key concerns related to academic integrity, data privacy in personalized learning systems, equity and access, fairness in AI-driven evaluation, and the impact on both faculty employment and student employability. Drawing upon ethical theories (deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics) and pedagogical considerations, it identifies risks such as the blurring lines of cheating, algorithmic bias, data misuse, and the potential devaluation of human interaction and critical skills. To navigate these complexities, the article proposes the Ethical and Pedagogical Framework for Responsible AI in Higher Education (EPF-AI), offering principles grounded in (1) transparency and accountability, (2) equity and inclusion, (3) human-centered learning, and (4) continuous ethical reflection. Ultimately, this article aims to provide higher education stakeholders with a nuanced understanding and actionable guidance for the responsible, equitable, and human-centered integration of AI into academic practice.
Ethics approval was not required for this study as it relied exclusively on existing published materials and did not involve primary data collection from human subjects.
No funding was received from any institution or organization for this study.
Acknowledgement: During manuscript preparation, the author employed free-tier versions of AI-powered language tools, including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, to enhance readability and linguistic clarity. All AI-generated suggestions were critically reviewed and revised as necessary, with the author retaining full responsibility for the final content.
| Primary Language | English |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Higher Education Policies, Higher Education Management |
| Journal Section | Review Article |
| Authors | |
| Submission Date | September 21, 2025 |
| Acceptance Date | December 7, 2025 |
| Publication Date | December 31, 2025 |
| Published in Issue | Year 2025 Volume: 6 Issue: 2 |