Artificial Intelligence as a Social Utopia

Mariusz WOJEWODA

Instytut Filozofii Nauki, Wydział Humanistyczny, Uniwersytet Śląski, ul. Bankowa 11, 40-007 Katowice, Poland , Poland

Abstract

In the article, the author is concerned with the problem of artificial intelligence as a factor that affects the functioning of social institutions. AI is understood as the logic of machine thinking, which constitutes a foundation for the introduction of optimal operating principles for the smooth functioning of the system. This provides the context for the author’s analysis of the logic of power in two aspects: (1) AI as a model for exercising control over members of institutions; (2) the possibility of exercising control over AI by humans. In both cases, we are dealing with a variant of the social utopia, the assumption being that such control brings the desired effects, namely, an increase in the efficiency of the system involving people and machines. In both cases, we deal with threats to freedom of choice. To demonstrate the complexity of the issue, Wojewoda analyzes the concepts of Shoshana Zuboff, Slavoj Žižek, Nick Bostrom, and Elizer Yudkowsky. These theorists point to risks and opportunities that come with the use of AI. The AI-based utopia offers us a digital paradise based on security and unlimited access to information, while at the same time taking away the right to freely decide for ourselves. This process is so subtle that the fascination with the use of AI tends to ignore the scale of the threat. The author is seeking to examine the validity of dystopian objections against AI.

Keywords:

techno-utopia, artificial intelligence, AI ethics, Soshana Zuboff, Slavoj Žižek, Nick Bostrom, Elizer Yudkowsky