Artificial Intelligence and Its Discontents: Critiques from the Social Sciences and Humanities

This book explores the basis for challenging Artificial Intelligence (AI) through critical approaches from the social sciences and humanities, including posthumanism, ethics, and human values. It analyzes timely topics such as bias, language processing, responsibility, machine learning, COVID-19, bio-AI, nanotechnology, digital ethics, AI and the gig economy, and representations of AI in literature and culture. It is for those working in AI critique and disruption and for those who want to learn more about how to doubt, question, challenge, reject, reform, and reprise AI.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 275 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been gaining widespread infusion, investment, and implementation across the globe. However, there are significant concerns and challenges associated with AI that require careful examination. This book aims to address this question by drawing on a diverse range of critical approaches from the social sciences and humanities, including posthumanism, ethics, human values, surveillance studies, Black feminism, and other strategies for social and political resistance. The authors analyze timely topics such as bias and language processing, responsibility and machine learning, COVID-19 and AI in health technologies, bio-AI and nanotechnology, digital ethics, AI and the gig economy, representations of AI in literature and culture, and many more.

This book is designed for individuals who are currently engaged in the field of AI critique and disruption, as well as those who are involved in AI development and programming. It provides valuable insights and strategies for questioning, challenging, rejecting, reforming, and reimagining AI as it has been practiced and promoted. By exploring these critical perspectives, the book aims to contribute to a more informed and responsible approach to the development and deployment of AI technologies.

The integration of AI into various aspects of our lives has raised numerous ethical and societal concerns. One of the primary concerns is the potential for AI to perpetuate or amplify existing biases and discrimination. AI algorithms are trained on large datasets, which may contain biased information or reflect societal norms and prejudices. If these biases are not addressed during the training process, they can lead to unfair and discriminatory outcomes, such as denying employment opportunities or healthcare services to certain groups of people.

Another concern is the issue of accountability and responsibility in the development and deployment of AI. Who is responsible for the actions of AI systems? Who is liable when AI systems make mistakes or cause harm? These questions are difficult to answer, and there is currently no clear legal framework or regulatory framework in place to address them.

Furthermore, AI has the potential to impact our privacy and security significantly. As AI systems become more advanced and capable of analyzing large amounts of data, they can potentially collect and store personal information without our consent or knowledge. This raises concerns about the potential for data breaches, identity theft, and other forms of cybercrime.

In addition to these ethical and societal concerns, AI also has implications for the future of work and employment. As AI systems become more capable of performing tasks that were previously done by humans, there is a risk of job displacement and economic inequality. This could lead to social unrest and political instability if not addressed properly.

To address these challenges, it is important to adopt a multidisciplinary approach that involves experts from various fields, including computer science, ethics, social science, and policy. This approach will require a collaborative effort to develop ethical guidelines, regulations, and policies that govern the development and deployment of AI. It will also require ongoing research and development to improve the transparency, accountability, and fairness of AI systems.

In conclusion, the integration of AI into our lives has the potential to bring significant benefits, but it also poses significant challenges and risks. It is essential to approach AI with caution, to adopt a multidisciplinary approach, and to work towards developing ethical guidelines, regulations, and policies that govern the development and deployment of AI. By doing so, we can ensure that AI is used in a way that benefits society as a whole and promotes social justice and equality.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030886172
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022