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The Verso Podcast

AI, Automation, and Algorithms | Matteo Pasquinelli

Nov 28, 2024
Matteo Pasquinelli, an Associate Professor in Philosophy of Science at Ca’ Foscari University, and author of "The Eye of the Master," dives into the intricate relationship between AI and societal structures. He challenges the notion that AI mimics human intelligence, arguing instead it reflects broader social dynamics. The discussion touches on the historical roots of algorithms, their political implications, and the impact of biases within AI systems. Pasquinelli also critiques the reductionist views on automation, emphasizing the dual role of AI in shaping labor and society.
58:29

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • AI should be understood as a reflection of social dynamics and labor relations rather than a mere imitation of human intelligence.
  • The historical context of AI and algorithmic thinking reveals its development as intertwined with economic and social hierarchies throughout time.

Deep dives

Understanding Artificial Intelligence's Historical Context

Artificial intelligence (AI) is often misconceived as merely imitating biological intelligence; however, it fundamentally reflects the intelligence inherent in labor and social relations. The podcast discusses how AI’s development should be contextually rooted in a much longer historical narrative that includes various civilizations and their contributions to algorithmic thinking. This perspective challenges the dominant narrative surrounding recent technological advancements and positions AI as a product of complex social processes rather than just a technological achievement. By linking AI to historical practices like the ancient Hindu ritual of Agni Kayana, it emphasizes that techniques for organizing and abstracting labor have been foundational for AI’s evolution.

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