AI and the resurrection of Technological Determinism

Héder, Mihály (2021) AI and the resurrection of Technological Determinism. INFORMÁCIÓS TÁRSADALOM: TÁRSADALOMTUDOMÁNYI FOLYÓIRAT, 21 (2). pp. 119-130. ISSN 1587-8694

Preview

Text inftars.XXI.2021.2.8.pdf Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (737kB) | Preview

Abstract

This paper elaborates on the connection between the AI regulation fever and the generic concept of Social Control of Technology. According to this analysis, the amplitude of the regulatory efforts may reflect the lock-in potential of the technology in question. Technological lock-in refers to the ability of a limited set of actors to force subsequent generations onto a certain technological trajectory, hence evoking a new interpretation of Technological Determinism. The nature of digital machines amplifies their lock-in potential as the multiplication and reuse of such technology is typically almost cost-free. I sketch out how AI takes this to a new level because it can be software and an autonomous agent simultaneously.

Actions (login required)

Edit Item