Computational Power: The Impact of ICT on Law, Society and Knowledge

The current digital revolution is an everyday revolution that affects our customary habits and routines and alters the very texture of our day-to-day lives. This power is often not distributed in an egalitarian manner, leading to concentrations of wealth, dominant positions, or unjust competitive advantages. It is up to us to reaffirm the fundamental values, guiding principles, priorities, and rules of the game to transform a fierce confrontation between enemies into a fair competition.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 12 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The increasing reliance on artificial agents, machine-learning mechanisms, and algorithmic procedures in decision-making and task execution is a significant trend in today's digital revolution. This shift is driven by a range of motivations, including the pursuit of scientific advancements, the desire to improve efficiency, and the quest for new solutions to complex problems. While some may harbor grand ambitions of colonizing the moon, replacing humans with androids, or creating sci-fi scenarios like the Matrix, the primary motivation behind this revolution is not necessarily these fantastical visions. Rather, the current digital revolution is primarily an everyday revolution, impacting our customary habits and routines and altering the very fabric of our daily lives.

This profound and widespread transformation warrants a close examination. The central thesis of this text is that our computational power is exercised not just in adapting the world to how computationally based ICTs work, but also in adapting our representation of reality to these technologies. The impact of this technology is such that it does not merely leave things as they are; rather, it changes the nature of agents, habits, objects, and institutions, thereby subverting the existing order.

However, it is important to note that the distribution of this power is not always equitable. Often, it is likely to result in concentrations of wealth, dominant positions, or unjust competitive advantages. This raises the question of how we can ensure that the benefits of this technology are shared more broadly and that it is used in a way that promotes fairness and equality.

In this context, the task of reaffirming the fundamental values, guiding principles, priorities, and rules of the game becomes crucial. It is up to us to navigate this struggle and transform it into a fair competition between opponents, where the goal is not to eliminate each other but to work together towards a common objective. This requires a collective effort to address the challenges posed by the digital revolution, such as ensuring transparency, promoting accountability, and fostering inclusivity.

Moreover, we must also be mindful of the ethical implications of this technology. As artificial agents and algorithms become more advanced, they may be capable of making decisions that have significant consequences for human lives and society. It is essential to ensure that these decisions are made in a way that is ethical, transparent, and accountable, with the well-being and rights of individuals at the forefront of consideration.

In conclusion, the increasing reliance on artificial agents, machine-learning mechanisms, and algorithmic procedures in decision-making and task execution is a significant trend in today's digital revolution. While some may harbor grand ambitions of a futuristic world, the primary motivation behind this revolution is not necessarily these fantastical visions. Rather, it is an everyday revolution that impacts our customary habits and routines and alters the very fabric of our daily lives. The distribution of this power is not always equitable, and it is up to us to ensure that the benefits of this technology are shared more broadly and that it is used in a way that promotes fairness, equality, and ethical considerations. By reaffirming the fundamental values, guiding principles, priorities, and rules of the game, we can navigate this struggle and transform it into a fair competition between opponents, where the goal is to work together towards a common objective and a better future for all.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 154 x 233 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367566241