How Artificial is Intelligence? [from the book Culture and Technology by Andrew Murphie and John Potts
Artificial Intelligence has reshaped the discourse around the seemingly obvious fact—“intelligence”. This particular chapter from the book Culture and Technology by Andrew Murphie and John Potts brings forth the question of what constitutes intelligence. The text will help students understand the theoretical development of the concept of intelligence with help of theoretical pinnings— thought, consciousness and technology. Though the text does not provide a finite answer to the question of what constitutes intelligence, it provokes the notion of ‘artificiality’ that intelligence is associated with. It develops the reader to question if there exists any difference in “artificial intelligence” and “natural intelligence”. The chapter traces arguments of philosophers like Alan Turing, John Searle and N. Katherine Hayles to discuss perspectives in the discourse of mind and machine.
Reference: Murphie, A., & Potts, J. (2003). How Artificial is Intelligence. In Culture and Technology (pp. 151-156). Palgrave macmillan.
An Internet of Things by Keller Easterling
The essay “An Internet of Things” by Keller Easterling explores the implications of the proliferation of networked technologies and the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT). In the current networked society it creates immense importance to address the conceptual dimension of Internet of Things as it pushes the boundaries of communication. Communication that started as human-to-human (H2H) gradually moved towards human-to-things (H2T) and it has now achieved the state of things-to-things (T2T). Could this movement be a result of the overtly mobile smart devices? The essay delves deeper into the changing paradigm of our interaction with spaces that the collection of smart devices in this complex system has enacted. It discusses how these technologies are creating new forms of spatial organization, blurring the boundaries between physical and digital realms. The students would be able to go beyond societal realization of changing paradigms to questioning issues such as surveillance, privacy concerns and commodification of data.
Additional Reading: Herman, A., Hadlaw, J., & Swiss, T. (2014). Introduction: Theories of the Mobile Internet: Mobilities, Assemblages, Materialities and Imaginaries. In Theories of the Mobile Internet Materialities and Imaginaries. Routledge.
Reference: Easterling, K. (2015). An Internet of Things. In The Internet Does Not Exist. Sternberg Press.
Deleuze’s Postscript on the Societies of Control Updated for big data and predictive analytics by James Brusseau
The essay explores the relevance of Gilles Deleuze’s concept of “societies of control” in the contemporary context of big data and predictive analytics. In his original essay “Postscript on the Societies of Control,” Deleuze addresses the transition from societies of control, which were defined by physical control systems over individuals, such as factories and prisons, to societies of control, which function through flexible, decentralized networks. By analyzing how the spread of digital technology, big data collection, and predictive analytics have worsened the control mechanisms in modern society, Brusseau updates Deleuze’s perspective. It prompts the students to engage in a discussion of power as a mechanism to capitalize data points—the stratified component in today’s networked societies. It brings forth the discourse around privacy, autonomy and resistance in the highly data-driven society.
Additional Reading: Deleuze, G. (1992). Postscript on the Societies of Control. October, 59, 3–7. http://www.jstor.org/stable/778828
Reference: Brusseau, J. (2020, Spetember 03). Deleuze’s Postscript on the Societies of Control Updated for big data and predictive analytics. Theoria, 67(164), 1-25.
Zombies of Immaterial Labor: The Modern Monster and the Death of the Death by Lars Bang Larsen
Franco “Bifo” Berardi’s utilization of the zombie metaphor offers a captivating lens to understand the dehumanizing effects of modern capitalism, particularly in the realm of immaterial labor. By scrutinizing the uncertainty in conditions and alienation experienced by workers engaged in producing intangible goods and services, Berardi provides invaluable insights into the complexities of digital capitalism. In a media landscape increasingly shaped by technological advancements and economic imperatives, understanding the dynamics of immaterial labor is crucial for students aiming to understand the intricate power structures and societal narratives contained within media representations. Moreover, Berardi’s analysis prompts critical reflections on the role of media in producing inequalities and shaping cultural norms. By grappling with the implications of immaterial labor and the zombie metaphor, students can develop a nuanced understanding of labor in the digital age, fostering deeper engagement with media theory, ethics, and socio-political issues.
Reference: Larsen, L. B. (2010, April 15). Zombies of Immaterial Labor: The Modern Monster and the Death of the Death. eflux Journal.
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