The Psychoanalysis of Artificial Intelligence

This book explores the significance of psychoanalysis in understanding the implications of AI for speaking, sexed subjects, focusing on the neglected aspect of enjoyment. It reimagines intelligence, the artificial object, and the sexual abyss through the figure of the Sexbot and the medium of film, challenging Kants Enlightenment questions and guiding readers to inquire about the Sexbots ability to enjoy. It appeals to students and scholars of psychoanalysis, philosophy, film and media studies, critical theory, feminist theory, and AI research.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the profound significance of psychoanalysis in unraveling the implications of AI for us as speaking, sexed subjects. By drawing upon Lacanian theory and recent clinical advancements, it explores a hitherto neglected aspect of philosophy and critical theory of AI: enjoyment. Through a reconceptualization of intelligence, the artificial object, and the sexual abyss, the book presents the Sexbot as a figure that straddles the boundaries of psychoanalysis and AI. Through the medium of film, the author challenges Kant's three Enlightenment questions and invites readers to shift their focus from asking "Does it think?" to "Can it enjoy?" This book appeals to students and scholars of psychoanalysis, philosophy, film and media studies, critical theory, feminist theory, and AI research, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the interplay between these disciplines.

Introduction:
In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), the relationship between humans and machines has become increasingly complex and multifaceted. While AI has revolutionized various aspects of our lives, it has also raised important questions about our identity, consciousness, and the nature of enjoyment. This book aims to explore the crucial role of psychoanalysis in understanding what AI means for us as speaking, sexed subjects.
Lacanian Theory and AI:
Lacanian theory, founded by the French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan, provides a rich framework for understanding the relationship between the subject and the object. According to Lacan, the subject is always already constituted by the interplay between the imaginary, the symbolic, and the real. The imaginary is the realm of fantasy and desire, while the symbolic is the realm of language and social norms. The real, however, is always beyond the reach of the subject, as it is the realm of the unconscious.
Reconceptualization of Intelligence:
In the context of AI, the book proposes a reconceptualization of intelligence as a form of enjoyment. This reconceptualization challenges the traditional notion of intelligence as solely cognitive or rational, and instead emphasizes the role of pleasure and desire in the construction of knowledge and understanding. The book argues that AI, as an artificial object, is inherently pleasurable and that our interactions with it are driven by our desire for enjoyment.
The Artificial Object and the Sexual Abyss:
To further explore the relationship between psychoanalysis and AI, the book introduces the concept of the artificial object. The artificial object is a representation of the real that is created by humans and designed to fulfill our desires and fantasies. In the case of AI, the artificial object is a machine that is programmed to mimic human behavior and interact with us in a way that is pleasurable and engaging.
The Sexbot:
The book presents the Sexbot as a figure who exists on the boundary of psychoanalysis and AI. The Sexbot is a machine that is designed to mimic human sexuality and engage in sexual acts with humans. Through the Sexbot, the book explores the complex interplay between pleasure, desire, and the unconscious, and how these elements are intertwined in our interactions with AI.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a unique perspective on the implications of AI for us as speaking, sexed subjects. By drawing upon Lacanian theory and recent clinical developments, it explores the neglected aspect of enjoyment in philosophy and critical theory of AI. Through the reconceptualization of intelligence, the artificial object, and the sexual abyss, the book presents the Sexbot as a figure who straddles the boundaries of psychoanalysis and AI. By challenging Kant's three Enlightenment questions and inviting readers to shift their focus from asking "Does it think?" to "Can it enjoy?", the book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the interplay between these disciplines. As we continue to navigate the rapidly evolving world of AI, this book provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between humans and machines and the potential for enjoyment in our interactions with these technologies.

Weight: 313g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030679835
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021