We, robots

£24.99

We, robots

Questioning the Neutrality of Technology, Ethical AI and Technological Determinism

Philosophy of science Philosophy Technology: general issues History of engineering and technology Automatic control engineering Artificial intelligence

Authors: Lode Lauwaert, Bartek Chomanski

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Collection: Religion and Philosophy

Language: English

Published by: Springer

Published on: 27th January 2025

Format: LCP-protected ePub

ISBN: 9783031771743


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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