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We, Robots: Questioning the Neutrality of Technology, Ethical AI and Technological Determinism

AUTHOR Chomanski, Bartek; Lauwaert, Lode
PUBLISHER Springer (01/28/2025)
PRODUCT TYPE Paperback (Paperback)

Description

This book takes a philosophical look at traditional technological tools such as hammers and drills as well as the modern: autonomous cars, ChatGPT, smartphones, apps, steam engines, nuclear power plants, computers, and many other systems that surround us. The three main questions tackled are:

  • Is technology neutral? Or is the design often intertwined with a Western or gendered perspective?
  • What are the ethical risks of AI? Is it necessarily biased? Is the climate problem linked to smart technologies?
  • Is technological determinism correct? In other words, is the world controlled by engineers since the digital revolution, or are their inventions merely a product of society?

Lode Lauwaert and Bartek Chomanski offer an idiosyncratic perspective on technology and AI. The result is a nuanced and critical view of the key themes of our time. This book appeals broadly to students, researchers as well as non-academic audiences for an introduction to the philosophy of technology and AI.

"This book explores key themes that all revolve around the idea that technology is not neutral. This is a message for all of us. Because technology is us." Mark Coeckelbergh, University of Vienna

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Product Format
Product Details
ISBN-13: 9783031771736
ISBN-10: 3031771737
Binding: Paperback or Softback (Trade Paperback (Us))
Content Language: English
More Product Details
Page Count: 137
Carton Quantity: 48
Product Dimensions: 6.14 x 0.34 x 9.21 inches
Weight: 0.51 pound(s)
Feature Codes: Illustrated
Country of Origin: NL
Subject Information
BISAC Categories
Science | Philosophy & Social Aspects
Science | Electrical
Science | Artificial Intelligence - General
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
jacket back

This book takes a philosophical look at traditional technological tools such as hammers and drills as well as the modern: autonomous cars, ChatGPT, smartphones, apps, steam engines, nuclear power plants, computers, and many other systems that surround us. The three main questions tackled are:

  • Is technology neutral? Or is the design often intertwined with a Western or gendered perspective?
  • What are the ethical risks of AI? Is it necessarily biased? Is the climate problem linked to smart technologies?
  • Is technological determinism correct? In other words, is the world controlled by engineers since the digital revolution, or are their inventions merely a product of society?

Lode Lauwaert and Bartek Chomanski offer an idiosyncratic perspective on technology and AI. The result is a nuanced and critical view of the key themes of our time. This book appeals broadly to students, researchers as well as non-academic audiences for an introduction to the philosophy of technology and AI.

"This book explores key themes that all revolve around the idea that technology is not neutral. This is a message for all of us. Because technology is us." Mark Coeckelbergh, University of Vienna

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Paperback