Seth Lazar on Political Philosophy in the Age of AI
Sep 27, 2023
auto_awesome
How should political philosophy adapt to the impact of AI? This podcast explores algorithmic intermediaries, power relations, ethical and legal oversight, risks and benefits of AI, and the role of philosophy in shaping AI technologies.
Algorithmic intermediaries, driven by AI, shape power relations and social interactions online, leading to potential social harms or benefits.
Understanding and properly governing algorithmic intermediaries is crucial for upholding democracy and social justice in the age of AI.
Deep dives
The Impact of AI on Power Relations
The artificial intelligence revolution has a significant impact on power dynamics, specifically in the realm of political philosophy. As our social relations increasingly rely on algorithmic systems, known as algorithmic intermediaries, questions arise about how these systems shape power relations. Examples of algorithmic intermediaries include platforms like Google, Facebook, and Twitter, which use AI to shape social interactions. These intermediaries exercise power by influencing the opportunities for interaction and determining what is permissible or impermissible in relationships. It is crucial to understand these power dynamics and update political philosophy accordingly to ensure that they align with principles of liberty, equality, and collective self-determination.
Algorithmic Intermediaries and Power Relations
Algorithmic intermediaries, such as digital platforms like Google and Facebook, significantly impact power relations between individuals. These intermediaries, driven by AI, shape and mediate social interactions online. They have the power to enable or obstruct power relations, leading to a range of social harms or benefits. Notable examples include automated content moderation on social media platforms and search algorithms affecting businesses. It is important to recognize that while these intermediaries can empower individuals, they can also be manipulated or abused. Understanding and properly governing these algorithmic intermediaries is crucial for mitigating potential social harms and ensuring a communicative environment that upholds democracy and social justice.
Addressing Power Relations in the Age of AI
To effectively address power relations in the age of AI, it is necessary to consider ethical oversight and proper authority. Presumptive objections arise due to the exercise of power through algorithmic intermediaries, challenging principles of liberty, equality, and collective self-determination. While there are arguments for eliminating certain power relations, the nature of these intermediaries requires their governance to avoid social harms and promote desired outcomes. This governance involves establishing goals that align with democratic values, such as supporting democratic deliberation and mitigating systemic risks. The exercise of power must be done in a manner that respects procedural legitimacy and authority. Achieving this requires cross-disciplinary collaboration and a philosophical exploration of alternative visions for the future of AI.
AI has changed our lives already and looks set to have a huge impact. How should we adapt our thinking about political philosophy in the light of this? The philosopher Seth Lazar explores this question in conversation with Nigel Warburton in this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode