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Matteo Pasquinelli

The Eye of the Master: A Social History of Artificial Intelligence

The Eye of the Master: A Social History of Artificial Intelligence

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  • More about The Eye of the Master: A Social History of Artificial Intelligence


AI is the quest to solve intelligence, but The Eye of the Master argues that it is shaped by the intelligence of labor and social relations, not the imitation of biological intelligence. It is pure fantasy that AI may one day become autonomous or sentient.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 10 October 2023
Publisher: Verso Books


Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a subject of intense study and speculation for many years. One dominant view suggests that AI is the quest to solve intelligence, a solution that is supposedly hidden in the secret logic of the mind or the deep physiology of the brain, such as in its complex neural networks. However, The Eye of the Master presents a different perspective. It argues that the inner code of AI is shaped not by the imitation of biological intelligence but by the intelligence of labor and social relations, as seen in Babbage's calculating engines of the industrial age and in the recent algorithms for image recognition and surveillance.

The idea that AI may one day become autonomous or sentient, as some have speculated about Google's LaMDA, is purely speculative. Computer algorithms have always imitated the form of social relations and the organization of labor in their inner structure, with the primary purpose being blind automation. The Eye of the Master urges a new literacy on AI for scientists, journalists, and new generations of activists. It emphasizes that the mystery of AI is not intelligence per se but rather the highest degree of labor automation.

The book also explores the ethical implications of AI, particularly in the context of labor displacement and the potential for machines to surpass human intelligence. It raises questions about the responsibility of scientists and technologists in creating and deploying AI systems and the need for regulations and policies to ensure that AI is used for the benefit of society as a whole.

In conclusion, The Eye of the Master offers a thought-provoking and challenging perspective on AI that challenges the dominant narratives and encourages a deeper understanding of the technology and its implications. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the future of AI and its impact on society.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 153 x 234 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788730068

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