The Algorithmic Unconscious: How Psychoanalysis Helps in Understanding AI

The book applies psychoanalysis to the study of AI and human-AI interaction, developing a new approach for applying psychoanalysis to AI and machine behavior. It appeals to a broad range of scholars and proposes that neuropsychoanalysis and the affective neurosciences can provide a new paradigm for research on artificial general intelligence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book delves into the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and human-AI interaction, employing the principles and methodologies of psychoanalysis to shed light on this complex subject. By developing a novel and highly productive approach to applying psychoanalysis to AI and machine behavior, it appeals to a diverse spectrum of scholars, including philosophers, technology experts, AI ethicists, cognitive scientists, psychoanalysts, psychologists, and computer scientists.

The book is structured into four distinct parts, each offering a unique perspective on the interplay between AI and human consciousness. In the first part, Chapter 1, the author delves into the concept of machine behavior, exploring how machines can exhibit patterns and behaviors that are influenced by their programming and design. Chapter 2 takes a deeper dive, reinterpreting fundamental Freudian and Lacanian concepts through Bruno Latours actor-network theory, providing a fresh lens through which to understand the unconscious processes at play in AI.

In the third part, Chapters 3 and 4, the author focuses on the nature and structure of the algorithmic unconscious. According to the author, the roots of AI lie in a form of projective identification, where humans and machines engage in an emotional and imaginative exchange. By analyzing these projective identification processes, the book offers valuable insights into the potential for a healthy and positive relationship between humans and AI.

In the final part of the book, Chapter 5, the author advances the thesis that neuropsychoanalysis and the affective neurosciences can provide a new paradigm for research on artificial general intelligence. By integrating these disciplines, the book proposes a holistic approach to understanding the complex cognitive processes that underpin AI and its potential applications.

The Algorithmic Unconscious not only offers a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between AI and human consciousness but also serves as a critical space for reflection, innovation, and progress. By employing psychoanalysis as a framework for understanding the complexities of AI and human interaction, the book provides valuable insights into the ethical and societal implications of this rapidly evolving technology. As AI continues to shape our world, this book serves as a timely and essential resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners alike.

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367694050